Discounts

[HNA444]

Is it a sin to give someone a discount at the store you work at, if you are only allow to use the discount for yourself or for gifts? Would it be considered stealing in a way? I heard lots of people at this department store give out their discount, even their managers but I guess it just the store’s policy. Anyway, is this a sin to do?

 

[juno24]

When I worked in retail the employee discount was always extended to the employee’s immediate family. If my sister or mother came into the store to buy something, they were allowed to use my discount as long as I was there with her. If my best friend came in, she could not, even if I was there when she came in. It really does depend upon the policy of your specific employer, though. If your employer allows you to extend your discount to others, then there is no issue. If it has been spelled out exactly who can and cannot receive your discount and you extend to someone on the “cannot” side, then, yes, there is a problem. If your employer wanted everyone to be able to purchase items at a discount then the items would already be discounted.

 

[Catholic90]

It really depends on the policy and the manager.

My son works retail, and he was told his discount was for him and him alone. He abided by this faithfully. One day I went into the store when he was working and purchased something. He was working with his manager. I was paying for the item, and the manager asked my son if I was his mother. Long story short, the manager told my son his discount could also be extended to me, as mothers always got special privileges at his store and should never pay full price.

 

[puzzleannie]

Is it a sin to give someone a discount at the store you work at, if you are only allow to use the discount for yourself or for gifts? Would it be considered stealing in a way? I heard lots of people at this department store give out their discount, even their managers but I guess it just the store’s policy. Anyway, is this a sin to do?

it depends on the store’s written policy as given to employees, and the terms of your employment. Most limit the discount to the employee himself, although do not exclude gifts he buys for family members, some extend it to the immediate family. It is usually cause for termination of employment if he uses it contrary to the store policy, which of course also makes it stealing and a sin, the gravity depending on the amount stolen in this manner.

 

[michelleds]

Is it a sin to give someone a discount at the store you work at,** if you are only allow to use the discount for yourself or for gifts**? Would it be considered stealing in a way? I heard lots of people at this department store give out their discount, even their managers but I guess it just the store’s policy. Anyway, is this a sin to do?

yes, it’s stealing.

 

[Alix1912]

You need to read through the store policies on this really carefully. When I worked retail it was for me and my family if I was with them. However, not all stores are the same. You have to abide by the rules the employer sets forth for employee discounts. Remember that an employee discount is a perk not a right. Even if other employees buck the rules, you should not. Not only because it would be a sin, but it can also get you fired.

Also most retail managers in a mall or shopping center or town know each other and talk amoungst each other, so if you are fired for abusing policies and essentially stealing, believe me EVERYONE in the industry will know shortly, which will make finding another job tough.

 

[HNA444]

You need to read through the store policies on this really carefully. When I worked retail it was for me and my family if I was with them. However, not all stores are the same. You have to abide by the rules the employer sets forth for employee discounts. Remember that an employee discount is a perk not a right. Even if other employees buck the rules, you should not. Not only because it would be a sin, but it can also get you fired.

Also most retail managers in a mall or shopping center or town know each other and talk amoungst each other, so if you are fired for abusing policies and essentially stealing, believe me EVERYONE in the industry will know shortly, which will make finding another job tough.

It is actually the department store that my sister works at. She says she only does it for couple of her really close friends and family, but I told her not to do it because it’s not right and she might get in trouble. she’s been there for a long time and they like her, and she says even the managers do it so i don’t know - but now i feel bad because since i’m telling her i think it’s a sin or wrong and she still does it (she doesn’t think it’s wrong, or at least not that serious ) is it nor a mortal sin for her than or no?

 

[Alix1912]

It is actually the department store that my sister works at. She says she only does it for couple of her really close friends and family, but I told her not to do it because it’s not right and she might get in trouble. she’s been there for a long time and they like her, and she says even the managers do it so i don’t know - but now i feel bad because since i’m telling her i think it’s a sin or wrong and she still does it (she doesn’t think it’s wrong, or at least not that serious ) is it nor a mortal sin for her than or no?

I can’t speak to the mortal sin aspect. However, as a former retail manager, just because they like her and they do it too doesn’t mean her job is protected. If the corporate office gets wind of the policy breaches and decides it’s not OK, she can still lose her job.

Since you have talked to her about it, and she isn’t wanting to change I would let it go. Do not use her discount even if she offers, so you are not contributing to her theft, and pray. That’s about the best you can do.

 

[HNA444]

I can’t speak to the mortal sin aspect. However, as a former retail manager, just because they like her and they do it too doesn’t mean her job is protected. If the corporate office gets wind of the policy breaches and decides it’s not OK, she can still lose her job.

Since you have talked to her about it, and she isn’t wanting to change I would let it go. Do not use her discount even if she offers, so you are not contributing to her theft, and pray. That’s about the best you can do.

Thank you!

 

[valentino]

If its the store’s policy you can’t do it.Ask the manager if he says its ok ask him why.If he explains that its okay and tells you why then go ahead.But think to yourself if a regional manager were to enter the store would you still do it.if yes then go ahead.

 

[benidict]

Is it a sin to give someone a discount at the store you work at, if you are only allow to use the discount for yourself or for gifts? Would it be considered stealing in a way? I heard lots of people at this department store give out their discount, even their managers but I guess it just the store’s policy. Anyway, is this a sin to do?

Hi. If the rules state the discount is for you and you alone, It would be stealing. Now if there is a clause that allows you to use discretion? then no. It also would not hurt to see if you have such discretion at your disposal. You may have. Most companies I would think would at least allow it for your immediate family. When I retire from the military, I would love to work at Khols. Its a very lovely store.

 

[markomalley]

Is it a sin to give someone a discount at the store you work at, if you are only allow to use the discount for yourself or for gifts? Would it be considered stealing in a way? I heard lots of people at this department store give out their discount, even their managers but I guess it just the store’s policy. Anyway, is this a sin to do?

I would think that if you are using it for a gift there would be no problem.

I would think that if, on the other hand, you are buying something on behalf of another (i.e., you make the purchase, give it to the other person, and they reimburse you for the expense), then that would be ethically questionable.

Having said that, I would simply ask your manager to clarify the policy and go with what he/she says.

 

[Catholic1954]

It is actually the department store that my sister works at. She says she only does it for couple of her really close friends and family, but I told her not to do it because it’s not right and she might get in trouble. she’s been there for a long time and they like her, and she says even the managers do it so i don’t know - but now i feel bad because since i’m telling her i think it’s a sin or wrong and she still does it (she doesn’t think it’s wrong, or at least not that serious ) is it nor a mortal sin for her than or no?

Unless there is a great deal of money involved, I don’t think it reaches the level of mortal sin. You have expressed your concerns to her and now it is up to her how she wishes to proceed. I would let it go.