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Don't Take Free Items Beyond What You Need


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Please don't take free items just because you are too cheap. As a result, items that had been free we now have to pay for. Here are just a few examples.

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When you go to McDonalds, you are only supposed to take the ketchup and napkins that you need for that meal. Not enough to take home to last for the next month. Our McDonalds now gives 2 ketchup per person for free. Beyond that you have to buy them, even if you need more for that meal.

Our local hardware and paint store now charges for paint sample chips, stirrers and paint can openers. The reason is people were taking all the paint chips to use for crafts, stirrers to use for other projects and same with the paint can openers. Used to be if you bought a can of paint, those items were free.

Last week, I watched a lady at the bank take the bowl of suckers meant for kids, and dump the contents into her purse. I used to own my own store, and people would take the toilet paper out of the restrooms for home use. All this does is raise the prices for others. And, it's rude.

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June 7, 20140 found this helpful

I agree with your comments.
It seems that adults started this "stealing" many years ago and now their children (following the parents example) continue the practice without giving it a thought.

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A while back I had lunch with some "friends" and the hostess brought out several large bowls of condiments - all "free" packets from McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys (sour creme), Long John Silvers, etc.

Now - in defense of some - many employees throw too many packets in to-go boxes without given it a thought as to the cost to their employer.

Eating out is costly so maybe some just feel this is helping them get their money's worth. It is true that over time my friend had spent money at all of these places so that is a plus for the business but, - in my area - several of these companies have closed their doors (did any of these practices help them close?) - Long John Silver, Hardees (only a few remain).

Another practice that I have seen is a group will buy one drink and then pass the cup around (for refills) to all of their friends. Did this practice start with an adult sharing this way with their children?

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I know this is a controversial subject so I will state these are my own personal views and may or may not be shared by everyone.

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June 7, 20140 found this helpful

I totally agree with you on this subject, but I can admit to sometimes taking more than I should. I, too, owned a business and know many things walked away that shouldn't have which were a convenience or gift for my customers. I hope this will encourage people to not be greedy, rude, or obnoxious. At some point this becomes stealing.

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June 7, 20140 found this helpful

I used to work in one of the club warehouses handing out samples and greedy people came in there stating they were there for lunch. What they didn't understand was we hand a limit and dollar amount of food we could hand out. We were told not to refuse anyone but due to people demanding lunch sometimes food was gone in a short time around noon and the worker had to go home without pay.

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That job was supplemental income for some of the men and working there and it made it hard for them take care of their basic needs. Some people have even stated go to Sams or Costo around lunch time and you won't have to buy lunch. No different that people taking loads of ketchup and napkins.

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July 17, 20140 found this helpful

I agree with you about the free items. I had a relative who was quite wealthy and she would take everything that was not nailed down. I mean all the sugar and jellys. That is really awful about the woman who dumped all the suckers into her purse. How tacky.

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July 17, 20140 found this helpful

I am almost certain that the hostess referred to above just received the items from the employee in her bag and being thrifty (as we should be) she just keeps them around in her refrigerator for later use if needed. That has happened to me automatically, but if they ask me if I want any of those condiments, I usually decline saying that I do have some at home.

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I often order takeout Chinese food from a local, closeby location, and they load my order with small bags containing hot mustard, sweet and sour, soy sauce, you name it. I have so many of those little bags they use full of all that stuff that it's unbelievable. I have told them not to do it because I have plenty, but it always comes to me. It must be their usual routine. The place is family-owned, and I believe it's the owners doing that themselves. We very seldom use any of it, so it's really a waste of their money - very sad indeed.

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