Serious question?

Question

I would honestly like your opinion. I frequent a coffee shop 3or4 times a week with friends, if we do not order a special coffee or smoothie we don't have to stand in line, just put your money in the honor tube and help yourself to regular coffee. A well to do gentleman throws a penny in the tube(everyone has seen this)gets his coffee sits down visits, gets a refill(should pay .50 cents) to go, doesn't pay, walks out. What do we say if anything? What would you say?

Answer 1

I would be the first to call him on it! Trust me, you will lose your wonderful coffee shop if many do this. And this is how I would call him on it: I would, in a loud enough voice that most could hear me, ask if he owned the place! When (if ) he says, "no," then I would ask why he buys coffee for a penny and always gets a refill in a loud enough voice that ALL could hear. ! IF he says, "Yes, I do own the place," then compliment him on his fine establishment. This way, you take no chances of making a fool of yourself, and at the same time, can embarrass the cheapskate user into either NOT coming back, OR pay his fair share, just as everyone else does. I hate people like this...seems the richer some are, the more they take advantage of poorer people. IS this a rule of life??? Trust me, there is NO account being paid for by anyone else for him. The shop cannot have one person dropping a penny into the till in front of everyone else! NO business could operate that way. And besides, by your calling him on it, it doesn't involve the business owner in any way. IT is entirely possible the business owner does not know, or want to make a stink, yet seethes when they see this happen...again, if you do not want to lose your coffee palace, then speak up! Peace and love, Goldwing (Phil)

Answer 2

Rushing to judgments is alot of what's wrong with the world today. I would think the best way to handle this situation, would be for you and your friends to approach this man next time you see him do this and say; We've noticed that when you come here, you only put a penny in the tube for your coffee and a refill. If you are that poor, my friends and I will gladly take up a collection to pay for your coffee so management will continue this honor service that we enjoy.

You don't need to say it loudly so others can hear. If he has the money, he'll get the point and be embarrassed, realizing everybody knows. If he honestly doesn't have the money, he might be grateful.

Answer 3

I would very loudly and abnoxiously say the next time I would see this "You know when you don't pay the full amount for coffee, it is the same thing as shop lifting! and some a** holes are going to ruin the whole honor system, I can't wait to find out where he works because I'm going to stand out front and tell all his clients/customer that he steals fifty cent coffee!" If that didn't work, I tell whom ever runs the place, right in front of him.

Answer 4

I'm all for fairness, and I hate for people to take advantage.
Especially of me. I see this person taking advantage of the
system, and also taking advantage of me, a full paying cus-
omer. I'd report him to the manager right away, and show
witness to bear me up. Even if the man is poor and low in-
come, he has his nerve to 'steal' when everyone else pays.
And he is indeed stealing. The penny, won't even cover the
cost of the cup he's using. You should quietly bring this man
to the attention of the manager and let him know that if he is
enabled to enjoy free coffee, so should you all. And he will
speak to the man, eject him and forbid him from returning.
He wouldn't want to lose customers over a free loader. And
it might just make him realise not all people can be trusted
on the honor system.

Answer 5

I managed a coffee shop for many years. It brought many wonderful friends of all ages but especially seniors in to my life.
People like this man ruined the business and eventually I had to quit as I could not make enough money to care for my daughters as a single parent.
I had a customer who was retired from Anheuser-Busch and also recieved a large insurance settlement and had a huge business digging wells. He was always asking for two for one on his donuts rarely tipped more than a quarter after sitting for 3-4 hours visiting and getting free refills w/o paying the 25 cent fee.
All of you need to speak up!

Answer 6

I'd tell everyone to go up to the tube about the time he gets his penny out. Then someone can act like they're new and say sweetly, 'sir, I've seen they have an honor system here, can you tell me how it works?' Then he'll either be embarrassed and pay his 50 cents or he'll at least know everyone knows what a he's all about.

Answer 7

If he does this often, I wouldn't be surprised if management already know. When an establishment offers an honor system, believe me, they expect some to walk away without contributing (they see the penny).
If you want to call him on it, go ahead. I think it would be fun to set a card next to the tube with the definition of honor.

Answer 8

He is dishonest and committing crime constantly, teasing others, negating the community rule, is not a good buyer and against morale which is serious and such people who don't realize the shopping es-sense should be brought to book. If despite knowing what he is doing, if goes unattended it means we are encouraging him and next time he will do more serious crime so better catch this bloody and take him to police. For few days he will be into the cell to get some punishment for the crime what he has committed, it is dishonesty and a blow to trust from the vendor who has kept the outlet open for general public.

Answer 9

I would ask him if there was a special on the coffee today. And, when he said "no", I would ask why his cost less than mine. And say it loud enough other people hear. And, if he tries to brush you off to mind your own business since it is an honor system, I would inform him he was going to ruin it for everyone!

Answer 10

You could in a nice voice, laughing, say oops you made a mistake, that was a penny not a fifty cent piece. If he doesn't add to the money I would tell the management.