Got Extra Item By Mistake, Would You Return?

Would you return it?

  • Yes

    Votes: 23 41.1%

  • No

    Votes: 33 58.9%
  • Total voters
    56
  • Poll closed .
F

FedererExpress

Rookie
Ordered something online. I have ordered from them multiple times from this store, great company with great customer service. This time they sent me an extra item (Worth 80$) on accident. It's not something random, and I could definitely put it to good use. Would you guys return it? Or just keep and credit your random good luck?

Thanks!
 
dlk

dlk

Hall of Fame
FedererExpress said:
Ordered something online. I have ordered from them multiple times from this store, great company with great customer service. This time they sent me an extra item (Worth 80$) on accident. It's not something random, and I could definitely put it to good use. Would you guys return it? Or just keep and credit your random good luck?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

We'll, don't leave us hanging. What exactly was it. It matters! IT'S GOTTA HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH YOUR SCREENAME.
 
dlk

dlk

Hall of Fame
If it's a pair of 3.3s, I'm gonna assume they sent them on purpose. If it's some device to prevent glabal warming, I'd return it.
 
Fee

Fee

Legend
FedererExpress said:
Ordered something online. I have ordered from them multiple times from this store, great company with great customer service. This time they sent me an extra item (Worth 80$) on accident. It's not something random, and I could definitely put it to good use. Would you guys return it? Or just keep and credit your random good luck?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

How would you feel if someone stole $80 from you? Please don't say 'its a big corporation, they can afford it'. Call the company and tell them what happened, they will probably send you a return package so you can ship it back to them free of charge since it was their mistake. If the company is that great, they might give you a gift card for your trouble.

That's my opinion, but I believe in karma so take it as you will.
 
billsgwn

billsgwn

Banned
Fee said:
How would you feel if someone stole $80 from you? Please don't say 'its a big corporation, they can afford it'. Call the company and tell them what happened, they will probably send you a return package so you can ship it back to them free of charge since it was their mistake. If the company is that great, they might give you a gift card for your trouble.

That's my opinion, but I believe in karma so take it as you will.
Click to expand...


Agreed. If you like the company, theres no reason to try and take advantage of an honest mistake
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
I'd keep it. In fact, this has happened to me before and that is what I did.

A buddy of mine got 2 extra PGA golf books this year (they cost ~$70 and are filled with free rounds and great deals at many courses in the area). He bought 2 in person and he received 2 in the mail a week or so later. He gave me one.
 
M

maleyoyo

Professional
Someone in the shipping department who probably makes $10 an hour and made an honest mistake could be in trouble with the boss.
 
SoBad

SoBad

G.O.A.T.
FedererExpress said:
Ordered something online. I have ordered from them multiple times from this store, great company with great customer service. This time they sent me an extra item (Worth 80$) on accident. It's not something random, and I could definitely put it to good use. Would you guys return it? Or just keep and credit your random good luck?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Tough call, but considering that it’s a relatively misc (small/cheap) item, I’d keep it. You say it’s “worth $80”, but it’s probably worth a lot less to the retailer, depending on the mark-up. The cost of the return (shipping, handling, everybody’s time and effort) is likely more to the society as a whole than the worth of the item to the retailer. The punitive element of your action (or lack thereof rather, in this case) is appropriate, considering that the retailer is at fault. Of course, if the retailer contacts you regarding the extra item, I would suggest being honest and cooperating with the return process.
 
M

mctennis

Legend
I can't believe people would actually reply " I'd keep it" as their answer. Where are people's honesty, morals and character? If they didn't get a pair of shoes ( in this instance) I'm sure they'd be the first one to cry and b1tch. Then post about how that company cheated them out of $80 and for no one to buy anything from them. I'm not saying you will not return them FedererExpress I'm just saying people that actually voted to keep the product.
It's not random good luck. Not like finding two four leaf clovers. It's an honest mistake so send it back after you call and tell them what happened. They may just pay for return shipping. If not pay for return shipping yourself. Show some character and honesty.
Some people make me ill with how dishonest and immoral they are or have become.
 
S

SFrazeur

Legend
mctennis said:
I can't believe people would actually reply " I'd keep it" as their answer. Where are people's honesty, morals and character? If they didn't get a pair of shoes ( in this instance) I'm sure they'd be the first one to cry and b1tch. Then post about how that company cheated them out of $80 and for no one to buy anything from them. I'm not saying you will not return them FedererExpress I'm just saying people that actually voted to keep the product.
It's not random good luck. Not like finding two four leaf clovers. It's an honest mistake so send it back after you call and tell them what happened. They may just pay for return shipping. If not pay for return shipping yourself. Show some character and honesty.
Some people make me ill with how dishonest and immoral they are or have become.
Click to expand...

Hmm. They are answering honestly, yet you complain they lack honesty? Ironic.

-SF
 
S

SuperDuy

Hall of Fame
I would definately keep it, 80$ is 80$ company has lots of money. Was sent a 2k dollar camera by mistake before, that I did send back and regretting it so much now. Whenever this happens again will keep it all.
 
SirGounder

SirGounder

Hall of Fame
This happened to me once. I emailed the business and told them what happened. They apologized and told me keep the item. I felt better that I let them know. I even offered to ship it back if they paid shipping.
 
Cindysphinx

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
I would call and tell them of the mistake. They would probably let me keep it.

If they want it back, they have to pay for the shipping, obviously.
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
mctennis said:
I can't believe people would actually reply " I'd keep it" as their answer. Where are people's honesty, morals and character?
Some people make me ill with how dishonest and immoral they are or have become.
Click to expand...

.....I mean I'd return it and pay for return shipping and toss in $20 in cash for the restocking fee.

Beat that mctennis!!!!
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
As we all know, the REAL benefit comes when you are perceived by others as being honest, etc. Not in the actual fact of the matter. That is why nobody in their right mind would ever say they'd keep the stuff IF we knew their identities and it could possibly damage their reputation. In actual fact, I imagine most people would keep the stuff. And not even because they really want the free stuff (maybe). Many people just wouldn't want to hassle with customer service, returning the stuff, etc.

Haven't you read the Republic? People may say they are persuaded by Socrates, but we all know that they really believe (i.e. live in accordance with) Glaucon and what he says.

So yes, I wouldn't rest until the merchandise was returned to its rightful owner.........then I would get to work on ending prostitution in Brazil.......all from my keyboard, because that is "how I roll......dude".
 
Last edited:
mucat

mucat

Hall of Fame
Big corporation never called me when they made a mistake at my expense. I don't see I should bother do the same.
 
S

sureshs

Bionic Poster
I could call them and return it, but considering to what lengths companies go to hide their telephone numbers (it is usually in a remote place on their web site if at all) and how much hassle they make you go through the menus for any customer service, I would say "screw them."
 
retlod

retlod

Professional
I'm not sure if this is an actual law, but I have heard multiple times that if something gets delivered to you that you did not buy/request/order, it is still yours. If not, I'm going to go into business, send each of you a frame, then call you up and demand $1000 (my store's price) for it.
 
S

sureshs

Bionic Poster
mucat said:
Big corporation never called me when they made a mistake at my expense. I don't see I should bother do the same.
Click to expand...

My views also. It is unfortunate that some bad experiences should translate into antagonism towards all, but that is the way it is. The customer service you get on credit cards depends on how important you are to them. They could put you into a waiting loop or get an agent immediately. They actually make decisions about whether to route your call overseas or locally based on your importance. I had a big corporation send me two defective items one after the other and refuse to take them back till I talked to a "manager" and he arranged for that to happen without apologizing for what happened. I have had a big airlines treat me like crap and bump me off my flight. I have had corporations keep sending me stuff I did not order and demand payment from me. Too many bad experiences and I think I am pretty justified in being pissed off at all of them. Sorry if there is some small injustice there, but there is too much of a power differential for me to feel sorry for them.
 
Bhagi Katbamna

Bhagi Katbamna

Legend
Except it wasn't a big corporation that made the mistake, it was a small store. Besides, are people saying that because some corporations offer poor customer service it is appropriate to steal from the same or another big corporation?
 
dlk

dlk

Hall of Fame
Bhagi Katbamna said:
Except it wasn't a big corporation that made the mistake, it was a small store. Besides, are people saying that because some corporations offer poor customer service it is appropriate to steal from the same or another big corporation?
Click to expand...

I like the Karma issue over some company made a mistake "and it's stealing." Maybe it's his good Karma returning itself:) Most of us have had some bad issue with delivery in the past. Before all you 'goodie-two shoes' get bent, I'm purely joking......
 
S

sureshs

Bionic Poster
Bhagi Katbamna said:
Except it wasn't a big corporation that made the mistake, it was a small store. Besides, are people saying that because some corporations offer poor customer service it is appropriate to steal from the same or another big corporation?
Click to expand...

It is not poor customer service, it is harassment and money stealing that they do. They have a legal department and can backrupt you.

No one is talking about raiding a store. It is about returning something they sent you by mistake. First, it has to be influenced by the experience you had with them about any previous issue. How long did you wait? How were you treated? How many times were you transferred? You mean I should not consider this when I make a decision? If I knew you and you would never agree to speak with me, should I bother to jump through hoops to give you back a $10 bill you dropped? No way.

Secondly, if it is their mistake, they need to tell me before what my incentive is to return it. Will they pay for my gas to go to the UPS store or whatever? Will they take care of my health bills if I injure myself carrying the packet? Will they pay be labor charge for my effort? Let them spell all that out for me first.
 
Bhagi Katbamna

Bhagi Katbamna

Legend
sureshs said:
It is not poor customer service, it is harassment and money stealing that they do. They have a legal department and can backrupt you.

No one is talking about raiding a store. It is about returning something they sent you by mistake. First, it has to be influenced by the experience you had with them about any previous issue. How long did you wait? How were you treated? How many times were you transferred? You mean I should not consider this when I make a decision? If I knew you and you would never agree to speak with me, should I bother to jump through hoops to give you back a $10 bill you dropped? No way.

Secondly, if it is their mistake, they need to tell me before what my incentive is to return it. Will they pay for my gas to go to the UPS store or whatever? Will they take care of my health bills if I injure myself carrying the packet? Will they pay be labor charge for my effort? Let them spell all that out for me first.
Click to expand...
I never realized that people have contingencies and conditions that need to occur before they would do the right thing. What I'm getting from this thread is that two wrongs make a right.
 
dlk

dlk

Hall of Fame
Bhagi Katbamna said:
I never realized that people have contingencies and conditions that need to occur before they would do the right thing. What I'm getting from this thread is that two wrongs make a right.
Click to expand...

I really believe most of us would do the right thing. Those like me (speaking for others) just say stuff to annoy people. Some folks just are not that serious:)
 
S

sureshs

Bionic Poster
Bhagi Katbamna said:
I never realized that people have contingencies and conditions that need to occur before they would do the right thing. What I'm getting from this thread is that two wrongs make a right.
Click to expand...

You may be as moralistic as you want, but that is how it is and that is what you will also probably do.

I am not saying I will never return it. If the company was one that had taken care of me well before, I might say that I will reciprocate. Otherwise not.

And I am not going only by size of the company. I had once ordered a special kind of cheese over the internet from a small company. It was sent with the refrigerated transport option. The delivery company delayed by shipment by 1 day and when it did come, it had become absolutely filled with fungus. I called the company and the guy got all upset on me. Said delivery delays are and lack of refrigeration by the delivery company was not his problem. I said you need to make sure your products arrive unspoilt. He wouldn't budge. I simply said I am calling my credit card company to stop payment and also thinking of reporting your business to the authorities for shipping spoilt items creating a health hazard. The guy buckled under the threat and immediately offered a refund.

That is how it is. Business is there to make a buck. Remember how we were asked to "support" the airlines by traveling after 9/11? And I did. And remember how they jacked up their prices immediately after their business came back up?
 
Cindysphinx

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
I had something similar happen.

I was having carpet done on my main level and in the basement. Different colors. I paid 50% before the installation.

When the guys came to lay the carpet, they made a mistake and laid the same color in both locations so the basement color is wrong. I didn't catch this error until they were finished. The color difference was slight, but it was there and was not what I ordered.

I called the store and told them about the error and asked that they come out and install the correct color in the basement. They never called me back. I called again; still no reply. So of course I didn't pay the remaining 50%, because they didn't complete the job.

Had there not been an error with the color, I would have paid the 50% even if they had forgotten to bill me. Keeping the 50% would have been stealing.
 
retlod

retlod

Professional
Cindysphinx said:
I had something similar happen.

I was having carpet done on my main level and in the basement. Different colors. I paid 50% before the installation.

When the guys came to lay the carpet, they made a mistake and laid the same color in both locations so the basement color is wrong. I didn't catch this error until they were finished. The color difference was slight, but it was there and was not what I ordered.

I called the store and told them about the error and asked that they come out and install the correct color in the basement. They never called me back. I called again; still no reply. So of course I didn't pay the remaining 50%, because they didn't complete the job.

Had there not been an error with the color, I would have paid the 50% even if they had forgotten to bill me. Keeping the 50% would have been stealing.
Click to expand...

This case illustrates the same principle--honoring and not honoring a contract between two parties. In Cindy's case, the "contract" specified installation of a certain carpet in a certain fashion in exchange for money. The carpet store failed to honor their end of the agreement, so Cindy was justified (in part, anyway) in not honoring hers. Leave it to the lawyers to figure out the details.

In the case of FedererExpress' extra goods, no contract ever existed regarding the extra stuff. The contract involved the ordered items in exchange for money. That contract was honored by both parties. Because the store was not obligated to send the extra merchandise, FE is not obligated to pay for it or return it. Yes, it was a mistake, but sometimes mistakes are painful to make.

I go back to my hypothetical scenario above. What's to stop a company from sending a bunch of stuff out to random people and then demanding payment or expecting you to go through great lengths to return it? There has to be some law that prohibits this!
 
S

sureshs

Bionic Poster
retlod said:
I go back to my hypothetical scenario above. What's to stop a company from sending a bunch of stuff out to random people and then demanding payment or expecting you to go through great lengths to return it? There has to be some law that prohibits this!
Click to expand...

Not hypothetical at all. Happened to me at least two times.

My son used to collect stamps. They had a policy of sending some every now and then with the option to cancel partially or fully any future shipments. You can guess what they did. We canceled it, they kept sending it, and billing us. That was one time I really lost it with the customer rep. I felt sorry for her but then I figured since there was no one else to talk to, let her have it. She claimed I had to either pay or ship it back at my expense. I made copies of my cancellation and wrote a letter threatening legal action for harrassment. The bills stopped.

Then I made the mistake of playing in a Breast Cancer thingie (photos are on this forum somewhere). I got a subscription to a magazine for a year. Of course they continued way beyond it and sent me a bill. This time the rep was polite. Her computer showed they knew of the policy very well but were just doing it hoping I would continue.

Businesses will cheat whenever they can. Big companies do it, small companies do it. Don't waste your time feeling sorry for them.
 
max

max

Legend
r2473 said:
As we all know, the REAL benefit comes when you are perceived by others as being honest, etc. Not in the actual fact of the matter. That is why nobody in their right mind would ever say they'd keep the stuff IF we knew their identities and it could possibly damage their reputation. In actual fact, I imagine most people would keep the stuff. And not even because they really want the free stuff (maybe). Many people just wouldn't want to hassle with customer service, returning the stuff, etc.

Haven't you read the Republic? People may say they are persuaded by Socrates, but we all know that they really believe (i.e. live in accordance with) Glaucon and what he says.

So yes, I wouldn't rest until the merchandise was returned to its rightful owner.........then I would get to work on ending prostitution in Brazil.......all from my keyboard, because that is "how I roll......dude".
Click to expand...

I learned a very different lesson than you did.
 
mucat

mucat

Hall of Fame
Bhagi Katbamna said:
Except it wasn't a big corporation that made the mistake, it was a small store. Besides, are people saying that because some corporations offer poor customer service it is appropriate to steal from the same or another big corporation?
Click to expand...

As long as it is within the boundary of the laws, everything is fair game. Because frankly, that's how big corporations operate.

If it is a small honest shop, by all means, contact them.
 
max

max

Legend
mucat said:
As long as it is within the boundary of the laws, everything is fair game. Because frankly, that's how big corporations operate.

If it is a small honest shop, by all means, contact them.
Click to expand...

I can appreciate that this is the realpolitik perspective.

But at the end of the day, you are you, you have to hold yourself responsible to yourself, and this is the difference between a mere corporation and a real person.

I agree with your implicit notion that corporations act in a self-serving fashion. What's needed is to change corporations, not change people.
 
M

mctennis

Legend
SFrazeur said:
Hmm. They are answering honestly, yet you complain they lack honesty? Ironic.

-SF
Click to expand...

No, I want them to be honest with their actions. They are answering just a survey but not with their name. Irony would be them not returning it and then complaining that they didn't receive something they ordered from another company. Stating someone being dishonest and cheating them out of something they paid for.
 
Last edited:
BobFL

BobFL

Hall of Fame
Never happened to me. However, USPS guy did deliver Playstation3 and PSP to my address by mistake. I checked the addresses and they were almost identical (pondview vs lakeview, same zip, same number). I found the right address 30 minutes later..
 
mucat

mucat

Hall of Fame
mctennis said:
No, I want them to be honest with their actions. They are answering just a survey but not with their name.
Click to expand...

What's your name? How do I know you are not a TW bot? :D

mctennis said:
Irony would be them not returning it and then complaining that they didn't receive something they ordered from another company. Stating someone being dishonest and cheating them out of something they paid for.
Click to expand...

Because it is within the boundary of the rules (law). Of all the people who bought a lemon vehicle new or used, I don't see the dealers replacing the customers' vehicles with a working one. What's the honesty in that?

What about a mom and pop store going bankrupt and they are making final clearance sale on everything even though they are losing money on all transactions???? Are you going to pay full price to help them out? Is it immoral to "cheat" on their misfortune?

It is part of the risk of doing business, if they don't want to send duplicate items, maybe hiring more qualified staffs? Invest in a better computerized system?
 
R

ReopeningWed

Professional
I would call back, just to get it off of my conscience.

If this happened with TW, and they happened to go out of business next week, we'd have to shop at other second rate online stores with no forum.
 
Last edited:
mucat

mucat

Hall of Fame
ReopeningWed said:
I would call back, just to get it off of my conscious.

If this happened with TW, and they happened to go out of business next week, we'd have to shop at other second rate online stores with no forum.
Click to expand...

TW is different, we are love TW here. :)
 
M

mctennis

Legend
mucat said:
What's your name? How do I know you are not a TW bot? :D

*** My point is you can answer the poll without having to add your name or TT name to your answer.



Because it is within the boundary of the rules (law). Of all the people who bought a lemon vehicle new or used, I don't see the dealers replacing the customers' vehicles with a working one. What's the honesty in that?

***** If they were an honest dealership they'd take care of it so that person didn't have to hire a d@mn lawyer to get it settled.

What about a mom and pop store going bankrupt and they are making final clearance sale on everything even though they are losing money on all transactions???? Are you going to pay full price to help them out? Is it immoral to "cheat" on their misfortune? People selling items here on TT are usually losing money on all the products they sell as used. If both parties agree on a price nothing wrong with that. However, you're not stealing it from the other person selling it.
**** If they have the price at a loss you are paying them what they ask for it. You're not stuffing that item in your coat to steal it.

It is part of the risk of doing business, if they don't want to send duplicate items, maybe hiring more qualified staffs? Invest in a better computerized system?
Click to expand...
**** Nothing will stop loss of all your products. Nothing is 100% full proof.

All my responses are highlighted with a * next to them.
 
Last edited:
S

steebo

Rookie
I'm not religious at all, but that "Do unto others" thing still works for me.
It would be very interesting to know the age breakdown of the folks who want to keep something that isn't theirs, and the ones who would give it back. I'm 55 and would never even consider taking what is not mine if I could get it back to the rightful owners.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

movdqa
What would you do with extra stuff in your order that you didn't order?
Replies
49
Views
1K
Vcore89
Vcore89
V
  • Locked
TW return for store credit problem
Replies
7
Views
1K
jmverdugo
jmverdugo
S
Eagnas..Just wondering
Replies
15
Views
1K
fastdunn
F
haqq777
Another Customer Dissatisfied With Donnay Customer Service
2
Replies
54
Views
4K
haqq777
haqq777
I
TW Staff: You're not replying to my emails...
Replies
8
Views
858
itsEr
I
Top