To ask what would you do? (Moral dilemma)

[AliceRR]

I purchased some things online a week or so ago. I had an email saying the items were ready to collect so I went to collect them. When I got there I was told one of the items was not ready yet and to come back tomorrow. I had seen them in store on my way to the collections desk so asked if they can give me one from their store stock so I don’t have to come back the next day.

He went to the stock room and brought one for me and then I left.

He must not have updated the system as I then got an email saying the item was ready to collect.

I didn’t go and collect it as I already have what I ordered and paid for, despite being in the store yesterday.

I got an email today saying that I will be refunded because I didn’t go and collect my item.

DH said that I should contact them immediately to let them know as I couldn’t possibly let them refund me.

I am leaning towards doing that but while looking for contact details to call them it occurs to me it’s a bit of a hassle and their error.

I wondered what would you all do? I imagine lots of people would do nothing and accept the refund or might even have gone in to collect the second item.

The value is £35

@al@AliceRR I think similar things have happened maybe 5 times in the last ten years or so.

All barring one I contacted them or dropped into one of their stores.

Perils of shopping online means miscommunication can happen.

I do agree more people would but wouldn't want to admit it which is fair enough. It may be morally dubious but it doesn't mean they'll start robbing little old ladies.

I've also given someone a £20 they just dropped and handed a naive coat into lost property. I'm reasonably nice (most days).

@Bobaboutwhat He went into the back and came out with an advent calendar and handed it to me. I didn’t know whether he’d done anything to update the system or what. I realised he probably hadn’t when I got an email saying my item was ready to collect but didn’t know if he’d put a not on the system in case, say, I’d gone in to get her another. It is odd.

@SilverySurfer Not sure why I should be ashamed of myself for asking a question out of interest. Are you ashamed at not being able to express yourself in a slightly more civilised manner? 🤔

I said in the original post I was in the process of looking up customer service contact details and just wanted to k ow what other people would do. I have also since posted that I called them.

Not sure why people are on their high horses when some don’t even have the manners to express themselves slightly more pleasantly

The way I always decide on stuff like this is to think how I'd feel if the whole world knew. Could I defend my decision to my kids / DH / parents / friends? If I'd feel embarrassed by my actions, it's probably not the right decision.

Sometimes doing the right thing can backfire.

Wait for the refund to go through then re-pay for the item via customer service.

@Nomad86 I think that’s a good way to look at it

@Tors33 what a peculiar moral compass you have.

Meh, a big company isn't missing out on a lot if they accidentally lose £35.

Meh.

No dilemma for me. I simply wouldn't bother.