What would you do?

[debhmom3]

Okay, Dillions is my usual store, but I shopped at another local store today that doesn't have a page, so I need advice from the people here. I bought 20 kool-aid packets and 2 bags of sugar. The sugar was 1.85 each and I used the coupons that had $2 off sugar when you buy the 10 kool aid. Well, the cashier said it wouldn't take it because the coupon was more than the price of the sugar. I said fine, could you just take off the price of the sugar? She said okay, and she did that I THOUGHT. When she did that she took the sugar out of my bag (in a separate bag together), but I thought she was just trying to lighten my reusable bag. She looked at me funny when I took the sugar, but I didn't think anything of it as she had my coupons for the sugar. Turns out she actually REMOVED THE SUGAR from my bill instead of manually adding a Q for 1.85. Did I steal the sugar, or am I okay because they will get reimbursed for the $2 Qs anyway, won't they? Since she removed the sugar, will they not get reimbursed? I don't know what they have to do to get the money for them. Please tell me I didn't just steal from my local store!

TIA!

[luvmy3boys]

I would probably call the store and ask to speak with the manager and explain. She might have said something about it and if this is your regular store, you don't want to be branded, kwim? I am sure it will all turn out fine but I would call and say, I was looking at my receipt, yada yada yada.

[pyxiedust]

I would call the store manager. They can't be reimbursed for the sugar if the reciept doesn't say you purchased any. Odd that she wouldn't say anything while you took the sugar though. :/

[debhmom3]

It is odd she didnt say anything as I stood there for a good 20 seconds with the sugar in my hand getting organized to go out the door. I cannot call the manager till tomorrow now. Hope it is not too late. It is not my regular store, so I am not worried about that, but I dont want to ruin things for others. However, by tomorrow my Qs will be long gone. I suppose I should have just ran back and traded the sugar. Would have been easier. I did some google reasearch and they would get reimbursed for the Q if they sent it in, but it would make the cashiers drawer off by +$4. :(

[debhmom3]

Thought THIS was helpful in understanding how coupons are redeemed by the stores. FYI. :)

[youtoo1955]

Actually it is not that odd that the cashier did not say anything to you. My son works in management for one of Dillon's competitors and they will no longer even call law enforcement for shop lifting unless a minor is involved, it is liquor or tobacco, or over a certain amount. The reason for this is because shoplifting unless it involves one of these circumstances is now just a misdemeanor offense where only a ticket is issued not much different than a traffic violation. If the alleged thief chooses to fight the ticket then the store has to pay for their employees to testify on behalf of the store. Many of the alleged thieves know if they contest the ticket the case will be dropped because it was at the point it was costing the store more to prosecute shop lifters than what they where taking. Sad sad state of affairs when a company has to make such a choice.

[debhmom3]

I cant believe she didnt at least say "I thought you were not buying the sugar" or whatever. I would have been happy to stop and work it out, I just didnt realize what she had done. I mean, I was still there right beside her with the sugar in hand. Obviously she would have to understand I was taking it, she had ample time to mention it, I dont think she would have believed I was actually intending to steal.

[youtoo1955]

The employees today are being told to not say anything. If after viewing the tape the store management may decide to watch you when you are in the store. If it appears that it was just an misunderstanding you have nothing to worry about. If they feel you did something shady they will watch you the next few times you are in the store. If something else happens they will ban you from the stores.

I can assure you that a simple phone call explaining your side is all that will be needed. They do understand that misunderstandings happen if you have your receipt they can even let the cashier know that you where upset enough over the thought they she may have thought you where a shop lifter they will let her know you called so you do not have to feel uncomfortable next time you want to shop at that store.