Recently I was in the grocery store and when using my debit card to check out I asked the cashier how much cash back they allowed. Fifty dollars she replied. I then pressed $40. The cashier handed me fifty dollars. She was confused by me asking the top amount and taking less. However, what was truly amazing was her reaction when I handed her the extra ten dollars and pointed out that I had only requested $40. She thanked me profusely as if there was something unusual happening. Apparently there was, as she explained that most people would not tell her about the extra ten dollars.
I had similar experience with waiters in the last several months. I was not charged for a drink and I asked the server to add it to the bill. Another time I pointed out an error in the math which raised my bill.
What’s the big deal? Apparently the big deal is that many people, perhaps most if you listen to the people on the other end of the transaction, say nothing somehow rationalizing their windfall. Who knew?
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 