My sisters and I and some friends all went on a big shopping spree in Melbourne a few years ago. On the second last day of our week in Melbourne, we all decided to split up and go our separate ways to score the bargains we’d each had our eyes on. I had my heart set on some beautiful bed linen at a major department store.
The queues were abominable and I waited for almost an hour to pay for my sheets and quilt cover. When I was finally served, I took the $250 out to pay for my items and the girl said, “That’ll be $25, thanks.”
I couldn’t believe my luck! The bed linen was the last left in the range and the colour I wanted and I was being charged just 10 percent of the reduced price!
I quickly handed over the $25 cash and took off, almost before the cashier could even bag my goods.
When I arrived back at the hotel, I couldn’t wait to show the girls what I’d picked up for such a cheap price. They oohed and aahed over the quality, the colour and the lovely brand name. When I showed them the receipt, however, some were excited that I’d got away with such a bargain, while others were appalled that I’d taken advantage in such a way.
“Hey, you win some, you lose some, right?” I shrugged.
Yet they were still disgusted with me, so I begrudgingly agreed to take the set back to the store the next day. It seemed I had to do it just to save face, as everyone was beginning to agree that I was in the wrong.
Next day, I trudged into the department store and waited another eternity in the queue. When I reached the counter, the woman asked, very abruptly, “Do you have your receipt, madam?” I rummaged through my bag, my purse and even my pockets … no receipt.
The woman rolled her eyes and indicated to her junior cashier to grant me the refund, but not before giving a dismissive flick of her hand in my direction.
Here I thought I was doing the right thing, only to be abused for it. I felt angry and ashamed and my face was beet red.
Imagine my surprise when the junior cashier handed me $250 cash instead of the $25 I’d paid!
I tried to speak up, but the store was in such frenzy, with customers pushing and shoving behind me, all wanting to be served. The older cashier nudged back into the limited space behind the counter, “Is there something else I can do for you, madam?”
Speechless at her rudeness, I shook my head, turned and walked away.
At the hotel, the girls were pleased — I’d redeemed myself in their eyes. I couldn’t bring myself to tell them that I’d profited by $225 and they still don’t know to this day!
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