When Principle Isn’t Cents-ible

(I’ve just finished ringing up a purchase for a customer.)

Me: “…and here’s your receipt!”

(The customer takes the receipt and looks over her purchase.)

Customer: “This item is wrong! It should be $2.78, not $2.98!”

Me: “Okay.”

Customer: “I want you to change this now, please!”

Me: “Okay, let me call my manager over so she can authorize a return for 20 cents.”

Customer: “It’s not about the money; it’s about the principle!”

(I page my manager over, who is just as dumbfounded as I am. She puts in her key, and I am finally able to process the return. As per standard procedure, I give the customer a form to fill out, like we always do with every return.)

Customer: “What’s with all the paperwork?! It’s only 20 cents!”

Me: “Well, it’s about the principle, right? I completely agree with you; we should do everything properly!”