To expect my 2p change

[jakeinabox]

Me and dd went to the annual book fair at school today and brought 2 books totalling £10.98. I handed over £11 and waited for my 2p but the lady just served the next person. It was only when that person questioned her for her change that she told her they had no 2p or 1p. Should she at least told me they had no change rather than just taking my money? I know it’s only 2p but ‘look after the pennies’ and all that...

You wouldn't be allowed to pay £4.48 for something that cost £4.50

I've been let off with a few pennies on countless occasions, when I'm short or the vendor hasn't got sufficient change. Last week I got let off with 43p in the fruit & veg shop!

I've been let off with a few pennies on countless occasions, when I'm short or the vendor hasn't got sufficient change. Last week I got let off with 43p in the fruit & veg shop!

Can honestly say this has never happened to me

I remember getting on a bus in Park Lane, Mayfair, behind an American tourist who had a £10 for a £2.50 fare - something like that. The driver said he had no change. She was dismayed but didn't know what to do until I said I had loads of change. He looked fucking daggers at me but she was thrilled. That's probably why they don't take cash on the buses any more.

Tbh I always tell my local shop to keep the penny or two pence I can't be bothered with coppers so I wouldn't have expected it back but rude to assume I suppose.

Tbh I always tell my local shop to keep the penny or two pence I can't be bothered with coppers so I wouldn't have expected it back but rude to assume I suppose.

Sorry don't know why it's posted twice

I love people who say it's okay to get rid of coppers because they've done it in their country and everyone thinks it's okay. Yes, that's instant inflation and there's nothing you can do about it.

Yabu.

That's pure tightness OP.

"If you're 'rich' enough to ignore a few pennies, good for you."

I would rephrase that as

'If you're rich enough to ignore a few pennies, aren't you lucky?!'

I have been (quite recently in fact) in the position of finding pennies wherever I can to feed my daughter and I.

There are a huge number of people in this country in the same position. Yes sounds like a 'professional' book fair too which I would bet MY last 2p they wouldn't have handed the books over if it were THE OP that was 2p short!

I have even in better times saved coppers for eg for holiday spending money. Perhaps a few posters here should save or at least note how much their 'don't matter I can afford to let it go' pennies add up to over a year - they might be surprised/shocked.

YANBU it is extremely rude just to assume they can keep the change.

I've had this happen in quite a few independent newsagents in London. When challenged they usually say they haven't got change and so I ask them to give me 2p or 5p then.
Had they asked first I wouldn't have minded.

I know 2p isn't much to an individual, but if a business serves 1000 people, that's £20 extra they've made essentially ripping people off. If the price is £1 and not 98p, just say so.

I just wish shops & other places would stop doing these STUPID .99 prices

Some people (eg DS2 who is easily old enough to know better) are actually gullible enough to think eg £4.99 is £4, not £5.

Call it £5! much easier to add it all up & no pennies to worry about!

YANBU. My local corner shop does this sometimes and it really winds me up

It wouldn't bother me but I've had prices rounded down in shops loads of times and I've also often let people off a few pennies. I also hate waiting for a penny or 2 change.
I'm not well off at all but I'm lucky enough not to have to worry about small denominations and I'd assume that somebody making a very unnecessary purchase wouldn't be either.

In Ireland 2c and 1c coins are being phased out so businesses round up or down to nearest 5c. Sometimes you get let off the 2c sometimes you pay it, it all balances out. There's still people who complain though.

To put it into perspective, a few weeks back I took all my 2p and 1p coins to my local Tesco where there was a machine that will print out a receipt of the amount and you can either use it to pay for shopping or get the cash value at customer service. I had enough 2p and 1p coins to buy a Sunday roast for 5 of us! I was amazed how they do add up.

It's rude to assume. Pennies add up and can make a difference sometimes

I'm not cash loaded by any means but actually cringe a little at myself if I hold my hand out for a 1 or 2p change. I think that may be why I use card as much as possible.

Gosh. I used to do book fayres at schools. They were manic, but I would never have been that rude. I would have given you any silver change instead. But then my good manners never resulted in the school ordering books or parents holding book parties so I had to give up as I couldnt make a living. So perhaps good manners are outdated.

Anyone rich enough to be buying books at the book fair is rich enough to ignore a few pennies

Perhaps the OP can afford to buy them from the book fair because they save coppers? 😉