Warning – It’s about to get serious up in here. This post is meant to get a rise in people, and make you think.
I don’t think that there is anything wrong with saving money (of course, this is a personal finance blog), but I do wonder how far people will go to save money – whether it be $1 or $2 or a few hundred dollars.
No one is perfect, and I definitely am not. However, when does frugality or cheapness cross the line and become stealing?
Clearing out a hotel room.
Have you ever stayed at a hotel and cleared the room out? Maybe you took the towels, soap, toilet paper, plates, cups, decorations, and so on.
Yes, I have taken ONE disposable item before – one time I stayed at a hotel and they had really “fancy” face wash that I knew was over $50 at the store. This was a smaller size and I already used some of it.
I took the rest of the (very small) bottle and brought it home. I figured it would be tossed anyways so why not just take it with me?
I have told people about this before though, and I sometimes I get looks as though I were an alien and I just told people I just came here from Jupiter. I don’t get what’s so weird about it.
Complaining excessively to get what you want.
Would you ever complain so much to get what you want, even if it meant that someone would get fired? I used to work in retail, and I saw this at my job and I also see this when I am out shopping at other places (if at any point you used to work in retail, you start to notice how retail workers at other stores are treated by customers).
Sometimes people will lie, call others names, yell, and just be all around mean.
Yes, yes, I know, you should always treat the customer as though they are right.
But, I have seen this happen multiple times with customers. When I am out and I see this happening, I do my best to defend the employee (if the employee is correct, let’s be honest – the employee isn’t always right either), because I just CANNOT stand it when people lie.
To get back to the topic – A customer will make a complaint so that they can get a discount even if it means that they have to lie and get workers fired.
There were many times when a complaint would come in, and I knew it was completely a lie – the employee that they were talking about didn’t even work the day that the customer was complaining about, or they were talking to me (without knowing it) and claiming that I did something that I knew I did not.
Many times it even came to the point where I have seen employees run away and cry because of how adamant some people are about getting a discount.
Usually these fake complaints were followed with “Don’t I get a discount or get it for FREE?!”
Using an item and then returning it.
Have you ever seen the episode of King of Queens where Carrie starts “buying” a lot of high-end designer clothing and has a room full of it? There are thousands of dollars worth of clothing, and she has a system of buying and returning all of them so that she never actually has to pay for the items.
Another example of this is if an item of your breaks, and you buy the exact same item from the store. You then put the broken item in the box and return that one, and in return have a working item again at no cost to you.
I also know of someone who threw their laptop down the stairs to break it, because their warranty was about to be up and they wanted a new laptop. They said that they bought the warranty, so this was not stealing.
The movie theater.
Recently, I was talking to a group of people about the high costs of movie theaters. We were talking about whether it was considered stealing if a person brings their own food or drinks into a movie theater.
A few people gasped and said that they would never bring food or drinks into a movie theater because they considered it stealing.
Or, maybe you bought a child or senior ticket before at the movie theater (people do this by buying the tickets online or at one of those kiosks next to the ticket line) and entered that way.
Leaving a bad tip because you don’t have enough money.
The other day I was doing research for an article, and I got caught up reading the comments in the article. This happens a lot – many times the comment section of an article is my entertainment for the day. The things that some people say can be entertaining.
The article was about the correct amount of tip to leave for certain services that a person receives. I know that different countries have different tipping rules, but if you are in the U.S. where the service industry relies on tips, then I think that you should be budgeting a tip into the service that you are receiving.
If you cannot afford the tip (lets completely disregard whether the service was great or not, for the sake of simplicity, I am talking about good customer service), then to me that means that you cannot afford the service, and you should budget accordingly and go with a cheaper service or item.
I know someone who constantly leaves a $1 tip (and sometimes less) on everything, regardless if it’s a $20 meal or a $50 night out. It really bothers me, and usually I make up for it by over tipping for this person whenever we are out together. This person has the money, but they choose to be cheap instead.
Anyways, back to the point, the person leaving the comment on the article I was talking about said that they have no problem leaving only a 5% tip each time they go out (even if the service is phenomenal) because that’s all they can afford, and that they still have a right to eat out even if they can’t afford to tip on their bill.
Have you ever done any of the above? What do you think of these situations? What other examples can you think of?
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Kemkem says
I used to work in a big chain pharmacy and l hear you with the stories of the lies the customers tell. Big whopping lies! l can’t tell you how many fights l had with them either. I was proud that l never, ever gave a discount or gift card ( this was a favorite request) in my 20 plus years. All my techs used to crack up whenever that nonsense happened on my shift. I even used to ban the customers from the pharmacy when they went too far. I would get reported, but never caved. I too, always step in when l see customers trying to bully the clerks etc. my husband was a waiter for years. I hate people that tip badly. If you can’t afford that, you shouldn’t go out to eat.
What about downloading movies from the net?
Michelle S. says
I’m glad another person agrees with me! A customer service job can be so stressful.
I consider downloading movies from the net stealing. I’ve never done it.
Anon says
One of my biggest pet peeves is people eating groceries while in the grocery store. I’m not talking about sampling ONE grape to taste the quality before putting the whole bunch in their cart.
I’m talking about people who eat their lunch out of the bulk food bins. I got into a verbal altercation (almost physical) with a woman once who was putting her hand into the snack mix bin (combo salty pretzels & spicy nuts), eating her whole handful of mix, then going back for seconds, then thirds, then so on. Again, I’m not talking about sampling one piece – she was eating multiple handfuls until she satisfied her craving. (No, she didn’t appear to be a person who was economically disadvantaged and couldn’t afford to feed herself). In fact when I said to her “that’s not free you know” she smirked and said “I’m diabetic and need to eat immediately”. Of course she wasn’t diabetic.
I think another example up for debate is wifi connections. If you piggyback for free off of your neighbour’s unprotected wifi connection, are you stealing?
For the record, if I open the tiny shampoo sample in the hotel room and use some, I take the bottle with me when I leave as I assumed it would be thrown out otherwise. If I haven’t opened it, I just leave it.
As for excessive complaining to get something I wasn’t necessarily entitled to — I’ve never attempted it because more than once when I was very much entitled to something and was screwed over by the merchant/service provider/whatever …. my speaking up never was successful, so if I wasn’t successful to get what I should have had I figure that I sure as heck wouldn’t be successful at obtaining something I wasn’t even entitled to.
It seems sometimes that people put so much effort into ‘scamming’, that if they instead put that energy into doing things legitimately they will come out further ahead. I think some people have the mentality of liking the thrill of the scam.
Michelle S. says
Wow that grocery store story is crazy! People….
I think piggy backing off of someone’s wifi is stealing. Just get your own! 🙂
Amy says
that grocery store story reminded me of that episode on “everybody loves raymond” where frank was “sampling” the trail mix and got in the fight with the grocery guy LOL its stealing folks!
MMD says
These are all pretty rotten. But sadly we did the “use it once and take it back” thing one time. We bought a steam cleaner and then used it on the basement carpet. In our defense though it started to malfunction towards the end of the first use. Plus it was Walmart so don’t feel to sorry for the store…
Michelle S. says
I have done something similar as well. Bought the item, used it, then it sucked after the first day and I had to return it.
saundyl says
I dont consider returning an item that isnt satisfactory for the first use a use and take it back if i intended to keep the item. That’s more of a used and found out it wasn’t the quality lead to believe/unhappy with the product when its the first use. I’ve purchased things found out that they didn’t work as expected and returned them as well or exchanged for a properly functioning version within the first two weeks.
I’ve never purchased an item with the intention of using it and not keeping it but planning to return it. That one seems sneaky to me.
I’ve taken advantage of a warranty on coffee pots with Canadian Tire if it breaks before the warranty is out I’d exchange it., at that point hard water damaged a few and I’ve since moved and have had to replace my coffeepot in 3 years. But never purposely broken anything just to get the warranty activated to get a new one before it runs out.
I do take the shampoos and lotions from hotel rooms when I’ve stayed there. The majority of the time we’ve opened them and used them. I would never take linens or pillows from the room however.
Candy into a movie theatre – I’ve taken stuff they dont sell into a theatre like granola bars or trail mix and also bottled water. I have a huge issue with paying exhorbit amounts for just water. Its not stealing I have paid for it.
Michelle S. says
I agree with you. Many stores have return policies for a bad product for a reason.
Connie M says
Surely you understand that when you state you “don’t feel sorry for the store” what you’re really revealing is that you don’t feel sorry for the store’s employees. I’m an employee of the company and if the store I work in does not turn the budgeted profit, employee hours are cut, maybe not immediately but eventually. ALL companies have to make a profit and my local store donates quite a bit to the local community. If you don’t care about a certain “company” perhaps you should consider shopping elsewhere because the employees of that company are the ones that reap the sowing of your attitude.
Income Surfer says
I see we’re spilling our dirty little secrets today Michelle. Well yes I have taken soap or shampoo at a hotel, but never linens. Hotel towels are usually scratchy anyway. I have also brought a candy bar or peanuts in to a movie theater. Those two don’t bother me, although I can see how you’d call them stealing.
The other three I do consider stealing. With the others it looks like you are intentionally taking advantage of a company’s customer service policy. The one about returning broken items sounds like shop lifting to me.
I volunteer at a soup kitchen several hours per week and it really pisses me off when people who aren’t needy take the free food, AND look down on the needy. Some of these little old people drive their nice new cars to our facility….and then take all the food they can. Shameless
-Bryan
Michelle S. says
I have brought food into a movie theater as well, so you’re not alone on that one! I usually carry candy in with my two hands, and I’ve never been asked to not bring it in, so I never considered it stealing until recently when someone told me it was.
Kasia says
One of the things that really frustrates me is when people stay at a hotel with buffet breakfast, and end up making themselves sandwiches to take out on the town for snacks and lunch. Whether it’s stealing or not is a personal opinion, but to me it just seems so wrong and disgusting to do that.
In Australia, tipping is not customary so it’s not an issue. If the service is top notch they get a tip, if not, they don’t.
I think there’s a fine line when it comes to clearing out hotel rooms. If you’re taking a towel, bathrobe, rolls of toilet paper, then yeah, that could be considered as stealing. When it comes to items like moisturiser and shampoo that you have used half of during your stay isn’t a big deal, it’s going to end up in the bin anyway.
I often bring my own snacks when I go to the movies, it’s not stealing because I’ve paid for them I’ve just chosen to buy them at the supermarket for a normal price instead of getting ripped off. If movie theatres want people to buy more from them then they have to provide more competitive prices.
Your post did make me think though as to how many things we do in our lives that seem normal to us but could be considered stealing to others.
Michelle S. says
Yes, I see no problem with taking items like soap from a hotel that you’ve already used. I don’t see why not because the hotel is just going to throw it away.
Brian @ Luke1428 says
Another possible example…getting one drink at a restaurant and sharing between two people. Or maybe a little more towards the stealing side…asking for water and paying nothing but then getting soda out of the drink dispenser.
Michelle S. says
These are both great examples!
Petrish @ Debt Free Martini says
I have found that people who take saving a buck to the extreme, can at times cross the line into plain stealing. What’s sad is they actually talk themselves into thinking they haven’t done anything wrong. They become more concerned about saving a dollar then respecting the business or service they’re receiving.
Michelle S. says
I agree! You said it perfectly.
John @ Frugal Rules says
I was just talking to a family member about the whole buying something knowing full well they were going to return it. I personally wouldn’t knowingly do that as that is just a bit far in my opinion, but this person is convinced there is nothing at all wrong with it. That said, I just had to lol at throwing the computer down the stairs. I’ve taken a used bottle at a hotel before, like you mentioned as they generally do just throw it away. 😉
Michelle S. says
LOL I swear that story about the person throwing their laptop down the stairs is real. I’m really hoping this person doesn’t read my blog today because they will know I’m talking about them.
DC @ Young Adult Money says
Well I hate to admit it, but I have snuck pop into the movie theater. I don’t think anyone can top my brother, though – he snuck an entire Chipotle Burrito into the theater! It was actually pretty impressive as it was in his cargo pants pocket. Ridiculous!
Michelle S. says
LOL I have brought Taco Bell into the movie theater before, as well as burgers 🙂
Lizzie Gladney says
There is nothing wrong with taking things like face wash, soap, etc from hotel rooms. If you use it even once, they will throw it out and replace it for the next guest anyways. Non-disposable items are a different story though! And people who complain excessively to get something free or who leave a bad tip because they “can’t afford it” or because they “don’t believe in tipping” are flat-out sociopaths. I can’t even be friends with someone who does something like that — it really tells you a lot about them in general.
Michelle S. says
I’m with you Lizzie!
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
I always bring snacks to the movies.
I’ve heard of people trying to claim rebates on a product and then returning them for full value. I think that’s outright stealing.
Michelle S. says
It seems like most people today are fine with bringing snacks to movies. I do the same. Why spent $40 when I can get the same thing for $5?!
Joy says
Ok, so I keep seeing comments about outside food at the movies being ok. It’s only about 2 hours long! Just eat a meal before you go! Then go have dessert afterwards if you’re hungry! It just seems rude to me. It’s like tipping, if you can’t afford the tip, don’t go out to eat. If you can’t afford or don’t like the price, then don’t eat there!
Thomas @ i need money ASAP! says
All these examples sound like extreme cheapness, not frugality. That being said, I have taken outside food into the movie theater. Pay $15 for popcorn & pop is crazy, plus the serving sizes are huge. We usually just bring in a small treat or a water bottle.
Michelle S. says
I agree Thomas!
Holly@ClubThrifty says
I have friends who always seem to complain at dinner with the goal of getting something free. It is so embarrassing! They’ve sent back perfectly good food before, and we’ve just sat there mortified!
Michelle S. says
ACK that’s really embarrassing!
Cathie says
I waited tables for years. I’ll never forget one time: I had checked on this table numerous times, and everything was satisfactory. At the end of the meal, I presented the check, and the husband looked at his wife and said, “you didn’t really care for that, did you honey?” Now, we had a pretty liberal customer service policy, but her plate was practically licked clean. I just told them that next time, if everything isn’t to their liking, they should certainly let me know, and I would make it right. NEXT TIME.
Another time, I worked the customer service counter at a nation-wide home-goods store, also with a very liberal c/s dept. It was January, and a woman was returning a full – line of bathroom accessories. As I reached into the bag to withdraw a soap dispenser, I asked her if she had used the items, only because we needed to know what to do with the returned item (return to vendor, or shelf.) She said no, she simply changed her mind. I pulled the soap dispenser out, and soapy water went all over the counter. We had a lot of that in January – people decorated their homes by “borrowing” our items, then returned them after the holidays, when their house-guests left. We took back a lot of bedding sets. And a ton of air mattresses. For the record, I think all of that is stealing.
Michelle S. says
I agree, I could never wear an item and return it. Just doesn’t seem right to me, and I hated it when people did it when I worked in retail.
Mark Ross says
I think complaining is the worst thing one can do to get a discount on something. I also think that others mention above are not that bad if you’re going to ask me.
Michelle S. says
I think complaining is just horrible. It made me want to rip my hair out when I worked in retail!
Brianne says
As a travel and hospitality industry professional, let me say that taking the provided toiletry products is not stealing. They are provided to you and aren’t reused. It’s yours! I’m always really baffled when I hear people talk about “sneaking” them out. Really, just take them. All of them.
Now, the REST of those things are not for the taking and most hotels will charge guests for any missing towels, pillows, décor, etc. And the charge will certainly be more than someone would otherwise pay for the same thing elsewhere.
Michelle S. says
I don’t even know why people would steal those items – I don’t even like using them because of how many other people have!
Amanda says
I didn’t realize it was considered odd to take the little shampoo bottles home from the hotel! I always do this, if there is any left over after my stay. I once ended up taking home a brand new hotel pillow once too, but that was the hotel’s fault – not mine. See, I had brought my own pillow and unfortunately had only a plain white pillow case for it. So when the maid came to clean the room, s/he accidentally took my grungy old pillow and left a shiney new hotel one.
I’m also very guilty of smuggling in food into the theatre. But, to be fair, I usually bring my own drink and buy a snack so it’s not *that* bad, right?? 🙂
Michelle S. says
With your pillow story, I think that completely makes sense and is fine 🙂
Rebecca @ Stapler Confessions says
I always take the mini toiletries, usually unused, and I donate them. I’m pretty sure my hotel bill covers the cost of them. But I’d never steal towels or decorations. Who does that?!
And I always bring a waterbottle with me to the theater — I’m just not going to pay $5 for a bottle of water, and those tiny cups for free water don’t cut it for me. I don’t consider that stealing.
I would never purposefully tip $1 or 5% just because I “have the right to dine out” — I think that’s pretty ridiculous. If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford the meal. I consistently tip 20% unless there’s some reason why I’ll tip just under that (like if I don’t have the exact change for 20%)
Michelle S. says
People who tip badly really make me cringe. I don’t see why anyone thinks that it’s okay.
Connie says
Maybe this makes me a bad person 🙂 but I am guilty of a couple of the things you mention. I’ve taken soaps from a hotel room before (never towels or anything like that). I’ve also brought in a drink or a bag of candy with me to the movie theater (I don’t actually feel bad about that one, the cost of food in a theater is ridiculous!)
I think what you said about not tipping enough is terrible. If someone doesn’t have enough money or are too cheap to tip for good service, then they shouldn’t be eating out to begin with.
Michelle S. says
I don’t think that there is anything wrong with taking soap from a hotel room 🙂 And I’ve brought outside food and drinks into a movie theater before, and have done that a few times.
kammi says
No, I have never done any of those; my parents brought me up better than that 🙂 Seriously, in my culture/ country I would be sorely embarrassed. It’s considered ‘low class’ to do such things (stealing, lying to be cheap, etc) and my mother CRINGES when she sees people behave in such a way. That being said, I did hear a while ago, a guy telling a woman to claim multiple dependents and other illegal things on her tax forms so that she wouldn’t have to pay as much. That’s really scum-baggy (I know, that’s not a word) and dishonest!
Michelle S. says
Wow that’s crazy that someone would tell another person to lie on their tax forms. That can catch up to them if they are audited!
Michelle S. says
Sounds like we are the same person Michelle 🙂
Kali @ CommonSenseMillennial says
I don’t feel badly about taking the little toiletries offered by hotels, especially if we’ve used some of the product already – especially after I realized that most hotels will replace the bottles every day if you opened them the day before, even if they’re no where close to being empty! I sometimes bring in my own water to movie theaters, as well. If we want popcorn or something, we’ll buy from the theater, but I’m sorry, I am not going to spend $4 on a bottle of water!
I can’t imagine complaining to the point of making a scene or flat-out lying in retail to get my way. I’ll negotiate where it’s appropriate (like on buying a new mattress or something like that) but I would never raise a fuss with the intention of getting something for free out of it! And I firmly believe if you don’t have the money to tip, you shouldn’t go out to eat at that establishment.
Michelle S. says
I’m glad that none of the commenters today have gone so far as to complain about a lie to get something for free. It’s one of the reasons I couldn’t work in retail any longer because I couldn’t stand it haha
Kathy says
From what I’ve heard, hotels expect people to take the shampoos, lotions etc. that are in the room. They do not expect people to take handfuls of them off the housekeeping cart parked outside another room, and they do not expect you to take towels, linens etc. Although one hotel we stayed at had such great pillows, I was sorely tempted to take one, but I didn’t. Whew! The only times I’ve returned a used product to the store is when it fell apart after one wearing or something similar. I guess my conscience is too strong.
Michelle S. says
I would never take handfuls of the stuff that was not intended for me. I agree, that just doesn’t seem right.
Shannon @ Financially Blonde says
As someone who worked in food service, I think if you don’t have the money to tip, you should not go out to eat somewhere where you have someone “serving” you. It’s just not right. That being said, I am totally fine with bringing food into a movie theater (you did pay for the ticket) as long as you clean up after yourself. And I absolutely take products from hotel rooms. I used to run a hotel and know for a fact that even the “high end” stuff is purchased by the hotel cheaply. Your room bill more than covers what is in it as hotels typically have 80% margins in rooms.
Michelle S. says
I agree Shannon. I don’t know why some people think that it is all right to tip badly just because they don’t have the money to tip more. Go to a fast food place instead!
Grayson @ Debt Roundup says
I can say that I have never done any of these things. I only complain at a store when they actually did something wrong or didn’t hold up their end of the deal. I don’t yell or request a free item. I come in with facts and back up my argument. I also treat employees with respect. I used to work in retail, so I understand what they are going through.
Michelle S. says
Thank you Grayson. I think everyone should work in some sort of customer service job at some point in their lives.
Michael says
I constantly feel as though I’m under-tipping even though I know I’m not. It costs $8 (incl. tax) when I get my brows done. To make it easy I just have them charge me an even $10. That’s 20%, which is a fair amount. However, when my bf and I go to dinner and we leave 20% on a $50 bill it just seems like so little. Is it too little, or is that just me?
Michelle S. says
You sound like me! We always end up over tipping, and we are constantly hovering around 30%. I just know that an extra $1 tip would not kill me, and if it’s a place that I go to a lot, I’d rather be known as a good tipper and get great service each time than be known as a bad tipper.
EL @ Moneywatch101 says
I agree hotel bathroom supplies if opened will be discarded anyways so why not use the rest at home. Bringing in snacks at the movies, I’ve done it as well. Why pay 5 dollars for a snack that costs 1 dollar, its highway robbery. I think as far as tipping goes you should give at least 15% for good service. If its bad service I don’t see anything wrong with going down to 10-12%. I usually don’t do it, but I wouldn’t judge anyone for tipping less.
Michelle S. says
I agree. If the movie theater wants me to buy their food and drinks, they need to be more competitive with their pricing.
Mr. Utopia says
I can thankfully say that I’m not guilty of any of these. Well, I have left small tips below the customary 15-20% before, but that was due to very poor service and not simply because I wanted to save money.
Michelle S. says
I have left a bad tip once in my life, but I think I have a good reason. I ordered chicken wings and they never brought the food out. When I finally found the waiter (he never came back to the table and 45 minutes had already passed), he said he understood. He brought out a different plate of wings (not ones that I ordered). I tried correcting him again but he never came back with my correct food. I received my bill and my less than $10 wings turned into a $51 receipt. He charged me $51 for food I never received! I tried talking to him about it and the manager “wasn’t in” so I just left and paid the $51 tab, even though I was fuming.
Mr. Utopia says
Wow, I don’t think I would’ve paid the $51. If I had the cash, I would’ve left the exact amount for the wings sitting on the table. Surely there had to have been some sort of manager present. If I wasn’t able to speak to the manager and didn’t have cash, I would’ve simply left and not paid the $51. That might be “stealing”, but so is charging you 5x what you actually ordered!
Michelle S. says
I’m not sure why I paid it. I guess I just wanted to leave. I tried contacting their headquarters (the place rhymes with Guffalo Wild Things 🙂 ) and they even ignored me as well.
Keren says
Great post! I have taken the sample size items from hotel rooms, but never towels or larger items. Only on a few occasions have I taken snacks to the movies. Popcorn at our movie theater is nearly $10 but most times I feel too guilty to bring my own or there was lack of preparation!
Michelle S. says
$10 for popcorn is just crazy.
Mrs PoP @ Planting Our Pennies says
I remember as a kid if I went to the movies with my dad he would make me bring a purse to hold cans of soda and snacks. I was always terrified of being caught!!! So, no. We don’t do that. =)
Michelle S. says
Haha that is funny!
Mrs. Snarkfinance says
I always bring food to the theater… I think charging $10 for a bag of popcorn that costs about 1 cent to make is “stealing”.
Michelle S. says
I’m with you. We don’t go to the movies a ton, but we always try to bring snacks with us.
Stephanie@Mrs.Debtfighter says
I have taken the shampoos and stuff from the hotel room never the linens though, only items they were going to throw away anyways! I have brought snacks into the movie theater too! Generally, I try to always tip 20%. More, if their service was phenomenal! That’s sad to hear that others will complain and lie to get a reduced price, especially at the price of someone else’s job!!!! I believe what goes around, comes around! Interesting post! 🙂
Michelle S. says
Yes, I can’t believe some people are fine with getting someone fired just so that they can get a discount. I have probably seen it happen over 50 times though, which is sad!
Katielake says
For people that want to go out to eat but “can’t afford to tip”, try ordering water instead of a coke and order something a dollar or two cheaper. Boom. There is your tip money. I waited tables for a long time and honestly I prefer to eat out less often so I can have a better experience when I do eat out. I worked for a sign company a few years ago. We had a customer who came back a week after picking up his sign to say it didn’t look like what he thought he was getting (someone else told him they didn’t like it). He was so horrible and awful, he told me I was a deviant, evil person and he would make sure to tell everyone so that no one would use the business. My manager backed me up but later the owner gave in. I will never forget that.
Michelle S. says
I don’t understand why some people can be so mean. I hate hearing awful customer stories!
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
I will bring my favorite candy with me into a movie theater, but I’d never sneak into a second movie after the first like some people do!
Michelle S. says
Yeah, I have never snuck into a second movie. Just can’t do it!
Pauline @ Reach Financial Independence says
I have taken disposables like shampoo from hotels but wouldn’t take towels or even less decoration items! The cost of shampoos is built in the price so I don’t consider it stealing, if you opened it already they would throw it anyway.
I’ve used free wifi outside mcd when I just need to quickly check emails and don’t feel like burger but I have also eaten there enough to make it worth their while.
Michelle S. says
I agree, I don’t consider shampoo or soap stealing.
NZ Muse says
Let’s see, I’ve pinched the odd hotel toiletry.
I don’t really complain (we don’t have the extreme focus on customer service like you do in the US anyway. I remember getting a totally inedible terrible meal at a small town restaurant, just giving up, paying and walking out) and would never make up a complaint. Ditto with returning stuff and tipping as we don’t tip here and don’t have generous return policies. Let me confess though, there was ONE time in the US when I didn’t tip and I felt sooo guilty afterwards. I never not tipped again.
I don’t really see bringing our own food into the cinema as scamming. We do it a lot. I’ve often been tempted to sneak into a 2nd movie but just can’t bring myself to do it,…
Michelle S. says
I don’t consider it as scamming either, I do it too. However, many people do consider it scamming, which I thought was interesting.
Raquel@Practical Cents says
I’ve done the bringing snacks into the movie theater. Though I don’t go to the movies much any more I don’t think that is stealing. One time we went out to eat at a semi fancy restaurant and the waiter was ok but not great. When we got the bill they had a “suggested” tip list. We gave him the middle which was 18%. Well, he was not at all happy with this and came back to our table to demand why we didn’t tip him the full 20%. We couldn’t believe he did that after all the bill clearly said tipping was based on how we felt about the service. He was ridiculous. We never went back even though we enjoyed the food. Two things I cannot stand are bad food and bad service.
Michelle S. says
Wow I can’t believe he yelled at you about that!
Jason B says
I’ve taken a towel or two back in my college days. I wouldn’t do that now though. I know people take the bottled lotion and soap as well. I don’t see a problem with it. I also don’t see a problem with people bringing food into the movie theaters either. I have a HUGE problem with people that don’t tip though. I used to work in the restaurant industry. They don’t make that much money so the tips go a long way. In my opinion if you don’t have the money to tip stay your but at home.
Michelle S. says
I have a huge problem with people who don’t tip either. It’s upsetting that people try to make excuses to justify it.
Sarah says
The only one of these that I am guilty of is bringing my own food (but not drinks) to the movies because lets be honest, that bag of skittles does not retail for $4.50. I don’t consider it stealing because I didn’t steal the candy I brought in, I paid for it. I would have no trouble purchasing candy from the movie theaters if they didn’t try to rob you blind about it.
Michelle S. says
Yeah, I think movie theaters need to be more competitive with their pricing.
Charlotte says
Even though this a serious conversation, I couldn’t help but laugh at so many of the examples of cheapskates in the post and comments hahaha! Only thing I’ve done on that list is bring my own treats to the movies. They’re pricy enough as is and I figure the goodies are an extra so I’m not taking away from them. Great post, Michelle!
Michelle S. says
Haha I know! I’m loving all of the debate and examples that I’m seeing.
Elizabeth says
Speaking as a former housekeeper, take the toiletries! They’re yours. Take them and use them – we just throw them out. I hated seeing all the waste!
However, you’ve crossed the line if you hide toiletries in your bag and ask for more, or take them from the housekeeper’s cart without asking.
Michelle S. says
Good to hear Elizabeth. Thanks for commenting 🙂
Michelle says
I think that the hotel travel sized items are fine. The hotel is providing those as a nicety. Don’t take towels/toilet paper/etc. LAME! Am surprised about bringing in food to the Movies. They are lucky that I even go anymore because it’s so expensive. It’s ridiculous that people would wear something once and then return it-on purpose. My freshman roommate used to do that. I don’t want to purchase a new piece of clothing with someone else’s sweat juices on it. As for not leaving a tip-if you can’t afford the meal INCLUDING the tip. Stay your a@@ home! That’s how my mom paid for our groceries when I was a kid. I wanted to end this comment with intensity. LOL.
Michelle S. says
Hahaha thanks Michelle!
Holly says
Hmm. I never had an issue with the hotel room when it comes to soaps, shampoos, conditioner. I figured they don’t check the bottles to see if it’s used or not. I assumed they would always think it’s used! Now taking towels and TP is another thing entirely!
Michelle S. says
I agree Holly!
Holly says
Commenting again to add… if you do a Part II on this post you should mention people taking condiments from the fast food chains. I think there have been shows or books about this … cheapest people in America or something!
Michelle S. says
Great idea. I definitely want to do a Part 2!
E.M. says
I do bring snacks and water in the movies, as the ticket prices are insane enough, but that’s why we rarely go! Complaining about things so you get it for free is ridiculous, but I have seen it done as well. When I was younger, I used to eat a bagel or donut while grocery shopping with my mom, and we always mentioned it at the check-out. One place actually had bins of candy that you could put in a plastic bag and purchase, but they got rid of it. Wonder why!
Michelle S. says
I bring food to the movie theater as well. The prices there are just crazy.
Lena says
I think, if you can’t leave a normal tip, you shouldn’t go out/use services. It always makes me so mad!
Michelle S. says
I agree!
Miss Entrepreneurette says
There are some things that are gray area and some things that are just wrong, but I guess which is which depends on you. Once in a while I’ll take stuff from hotel rooms. In my eyes I paid for that room and the price includes the toiletries. Most of the time, I don’t take anything unless I’ve opened it because I don’t need it. And when I say I “take stuff” I mean the soaps, shampoos, etc. Not decor or anything like that.
And I also bring food into movies. Sometimes we’ll buy stuff at the counter but most of the time I don’t even want what they have anyway. Or I’ll be starving for dinner and popcorn and soda is just not going to cut it. In fact when I just eat popcorn, candy and soda I feel like crap. Our little movie theater served sliced apples with caramel and I was obsessed. Movies need to branch out a bit and maybe I’d want to buy their food.
However to me complaining excessively, not leaving enough of a tip and using and returning are not ok. I tend to be one of those people who can see a situation from everyone’s side (a curse and a blessing). I used to own an online boutique for about a year and only once did someone return something used. And it was a blogger I had given an item to for free in exchange for her posting about it. Months had passed and she never posted about it so she sent it back, obviously used.
Some people, seriously.
Michelle S. says
That’s crazy that they returned a used item, especially since it was free in the first place.
Charles@gettingarichlife says
Michelle,
I’ve known some people who use our corporate card dispute items under $10 because the CC company will waive the fees. That adds up to a few hundred a year, talk about foolishness as that can lead to dismissal.
Michelle S. says
Yeah, that makes no sense! It’s just not worth it.
Jeff @Project Ikonz says
Clearing a hotel room is embarrassing when the front desks asks you where the bathroom towel is at. Can you get away with exchanging broken items at the store? Now that there are CCTV cameras everywhere. It all boils down to morals and doing the right thing without anyone seeing. How to retire a millionaire when your doing sneaky little dishonorable things everyday. To me having that fear of karma, the habit of being thoughtful and generous to everyone you meet will lead to more blessings with health, relationships and money.
Michelle S. says
I have actually heard of a few people exchanging broken items. I don’t get how it would work but I guess it does!
Amanda @ Passionately Simple Life says
I always hate leaving a half used item in the the hotel room knowing that it’s going to get thrown out. If it’s opened and I know I’ll finish it up in the next day or two, I’ll take it so as to reduce the waste. But apart from that, there’s really no reason to take anything if I packed properly.
One thing I’ve noticed is the people who complain about employees and are asking for free things are the ones who complain and don’t tip at restaurants. They believe they deserve all these things for free. There’s nothing you can do but know that they will never be happy…
Michelle S. says
I agree Amanda. The people who do fake complaints are often cheap all around and will do whatever it takes to get free items.
Mike says
I don’t see the problem with taking the disposable items from a hotel room, the remaining bottle of shampoo, lotion, and such. It’s all going to get thrown out anyway by the maid service and replaced with an unopened one for the new guest.
I admit, I do call customer service when there’s a problem with my bill and always ask for some kind of compensation for my time. For instance, my phone bill was screwed up for several months in a row ager calling in each month to get it corrected. Of course, I asked for some statement credit for compensation for my time.
Michelle S. says
I don’t think there’s anything wrong if the company actually made a mistake and you ask for compensation for your time. I do that all the time. I think it’s wrong when customers try to bully employees for a discount though and lie about things.
For example, I once had a customer say that I hit them (when I absolutely did not, especially since I wasn’t even working the day they claimed it happened), and they wanted a free shirt to make up for it. LOL WHAT A CRAZY PERSON
Daisy says
I always bring stuff into the movie theater. I wouldn’t spend $10 on popcorn anyway so it’s not as if bringing something in is making them lose my business. I don’t think that is stealing. I have also taken toiletries from hotels (shampoo, conditioner, etc) if I have already used them but those are built I to the price of the room so I don’t see that as stealing either. I don’t think not leaving a tip is stealing though I wouldn’t feel very good about it if I couldn’t leave one.
Michelle S. says
I always bring stuff into the movie theater too. It seems like all of us pf bloggers do 🙂
Aaron L says
I wouldn’t take towels or dishes and cutlery from a hotel room, but I don’t see anything wrong with taking soaps and shower gels that I have already opened, because they would just be thrown out. At the movies it’s not right to try and bring loads of things in but a small chocolate bar ought to be ok, Food is very overpriced at concessions. As someone who has worked in retail, what really rankles me is people who deliberately damage something and then try to get it at a discount, or buy something, use it once and bring it back for a full refund.
Ray @ Squirrelers says
Good topic! I think that in many cases the line is clear when it comes to frugality vs. lack of ethics, but sometimes it can be blurry to some people because they want it to be that way. Makes them feel better about things 🙂
Example: taking a small bottle of shampoo from the hotel room seems okay, taking blankets or other reusable things would be unethical. At restaurants, leaving a $1 tip on a $5 meal is okay, but leaving $1 on a $20 meal is clearly not. Doesn’t matter if the work done took the same effort, it’s not how things are done in society.
I’d say that if a person is doing something they wouldn’t want broadcast to the world, they probably aren’t meant to be doing it.
Michelle S. says
Sounds like we have the same thinking about things Ray. Thanks for stopping by!
sharon says
Bringing in your own food to the movie theatre is just smart. (Although I can’t resist their popcorn!) I used to bring in a diet soda and an air-popped bag of popcorn when I was trying to lose weight. I’ve already paid for the ticket, I just didn’t choose to get gauged on the snacks. Not stealing in my opinion.
Michelle S. says
I agree Sharon!
Tara @ Streets Ahead Living says
I am a member of a mostly volunteer food coop with minimal paid staff. As such, I must volunteer 2.75 hours every four weeks. I’m going to miss my next shift so I did a make up shift this past weekend in a different department, working with returns. There are BIG signs by the books at the Coop saying that they don’t accept returns or exchanges. A women came in, with a receipt dated from 15 days prior, saying she “bought it on accident” and this was the soonest she could return it. On top of it all, she had spent $300 at the food coop so it’s not like she’s low on cash (the food coop is in a rich, gentrified neighborhood). So she really “accidentally” purchased it and only realized 15 days later, even though we don’t have bags at the coop so she packed her own purchases in her own bags? I lol’ed.
Also, the tipping thing gets me so angry. If you can’t afford to tip, go to a QUICK SERVICE restaurant. There are PLENTY. Go to Qdoba or Subway for Pete’s sake! At least they make minimum wage or higher at those restaurants.
Michelle S. says
LOL the story about the woman is funny.
Frugal(er) says
Another personal finance blogger who I used to read (no longer) mentioned that she and her husband went to Panera and brought in their own cream cheese. They weren’t getting bagels to go or anything, they just thought the cream cheese prices were too high and brought in something cheaper.
That is stealing, for sure.
Hotel mini items = not stealing, but the rest of your list–egads! I do bring a can of seltzer to the movies usually, because they don’t have it, but we almost always buy popcorn, so I don’t feel bad. Thankfully when I was in retail, I never had to deal with anyone yelling or lying to get a discount, but reading that makes me just sad.
Michelle S. says
I’m jealous that you didn’t have to deal with that when you worked in retail. It completely ruined the job for me because it happened so often.
Ryan @ Impersonal Finance says
I do everything but return items, treat people poorly, and leave a bad tip because I don’t have the money. If I don’t have the money for the entire bill (which is now never), I simply wouldn’t go out to eat. But I don’t have a problem with taking the mini shampoos or conditioners from a hotel, or bringing my own snacks into a movie theatre. The markup on those theatre candies is outrageous, and I’m paying for the cost of viewing the film, really, in my eyes. I won’t hesitate to speak with a manager or customer service if something is amiss in the store or with my bill, but I always remember I’m dealing with actual humans and treat them as such. Nothing is more disgusting to me than treating people like shit just because you think you’re above them because of the position they have at somewhere you shop.
Michelle S. says
Yes, I simply wouldn’t go out to eat either. I don’t know why some people think they have the right to tip poorly.
Marvin says
I have taken food into the movie theatre and still do. I don’t consider it stealing, in fact I carry a coffee right by the attendants!
Michelle S. says
Yeah, I’ve never been stopped either 🙂
Dear Debt says
I’ve totally brought my own candy to the movie theaters and taken the toiletries from a hotel. I wouldn’t buy something and take it back though. I’m also too nice to complain a lot just to get something! As someone that has sampled a lot of food, I can’t stand when people take like 5 samples, come back for more, and try to act like they are someone new. Give me a break!
Carlos @ TheFrugalWeds says
I only take the shampoo/soap/lotion from hotels if they are particularly nice quality. As for linens or towels, I think that is too far. Movie theaters rip us off with inflated costs on everything so I do not feel bad if I bring in my own snack or water.
I do have an example of one of the worst cases of crossing the line. I attended a Christmas party at a hotel that had a buffet lunch. When everyone was done eating, one of the party hosts pulled out giant zip lock bags and began filling them all up. Not that I agree here, but entrees were packed which makes sense I guess. Then the lady started packing up the crappy bread rolls, the romaine lettuce, and…salad dressing. Yes she was packing up a half gallon of caesar salad dressing!
Frugal(er) says
Salad dressing!? That’s just crazy behavior. In her defense, that food would just be thrown away, so if I had the foresight to bring a bag to put it in, I might have taken some too (after people left).
Cathie says
I didn’t read all of the comments, so forgive me if what I say has already been said. We sometimes bring food into a movie theater, but my son has allergies, and we do not eat anything that the theater has to offer. We usually go without food in the theater, and eat later. I am torn about this, because I think that movie theaters are really high-priced concession stands that happen to show a movie while you’re munching. They make their money on those concessions. I think if I brought in food that they sold I would probably consider that stealing.
Also, if I am staying in a hotel for multiple nights, I would consider it stealing if I packed away my shampoo and soap on a daily basis and received a new one each day. That’s just me.
Shannon @ The Heavy Purse says
Wow – throwing your laptop down the stairs is … extreme! I have no problem returning something I just bought that doesn’t work but I am upfront about it, so (hopefully) it doesn’t go back out on the shelves for some innocent person to purchase. I would never buy a duplicate item and put the broken item in to get a refund. When people buy clothes to wear once and return it is so wrong! Nobody, including someone who probably does this, wants to wear clothes that others have truly worn and returned without washing. Wrong on so many levels. And I do agree that if you cannot afford a reasonable tip, then you shouldn’t eat at place where the wait staff depend on those tips. Eat somewhere that doesn’t require tips. I do think it’s wrong to take linens, etc from hotels but I don’t have a problem if you take a bottle of shampoo or lotions that you’ve already used. I’m pretty sure they toss them if they look used, so you might as well take it.
Kim@Eyesonthedollar says
I have done the sneak snacks into a movie before but stopped after my daughter asked why I had to hide them. It was not a good example even if it did save money. I think if you can’t leave at least a 15-20% tip you shouldn’t go out to eat or at least don’t complain if someone spits in your food.
Andrea says
I never go to the movies, I prefer watching them in English and almost all films shown on Germany are dubbed. It’s much more fun renting it off iTunes while munching reasonably priced chocolate, homemade salsa and organic nacho chips 😀 I used to watch TV shows online and download music (that was years ago when I was still at school) but since I started working in the music business I also started buying everything. I share it with my boyfriend, though. And I don’t consider that stealing.
People will go a long way for free stuff/ saving cents. It annoys me.
We also have a healthy tipping mentality and enjoy watching our friends tag along 😀
Standing up for others is a quality you find in very few people, so sad. In fifth grade some of my peers tried to convince our (not very much liked) teacher that she hadn’t informed us about a test she was going to set us. When in fact she had. I felt bad for the girl that got an F but simply couldn’t stand by and watch them tell lies. Needless to say they hates me afterwards but…
Good night from Germany, I do love your blog 🙂
Andrea
KK @ Student Debt Survivor says
I’ve really enjoyed reading through these comments. Very interesting to say the least. I take used samples of shampoo and lotion from the hotel, but wouldn’t ask for extra just to take with me. The way I see it, I paid for the room and the toiletries are part of the room that I paid for (in my opinion). But I’d never take a towel or a blanket or any part of the room that wasn’t meant for me to keep/I didn’t pay for.
Taylor Gordon says
Ooooo this is a FUN topic!!! There’s definitely a fine line between cheap and frugal. Not going to lie sometimes I cross it. 🙂 I’ve brought McDonalds to a movie in the past, next time I’ll think twice!
I’ve worked in the hospitality industry so for me leaving no or low tip is stealing. Stealing the time, effort, and table that a server could be offering to another customer.
Deia @ Nomad Wallet says
Awesome topic! I definitely bring snacks into movie theaters. The prices there are just ridiculous! This is easy enough to do here in Canada, but a little tip if you’re traveling to Asia: some places do bag checks. I’ve been caught with a burger once in Singapore. I hadn’t had any lunch and had to leave the burger with the staff until after the movie. I was hungry the whole movie!
Emma @ emmalincoln.com says
OOooo, this article is fun! It made me think of all sorts of dilemmas…
Like, what about taking home pens, or paper clips, or notebooks from work? What about doing scanning or printing for personal reasons at work?
What about when somebody rings something up wrong, or doesn’t ring up something in your cart at the grocery store? I always say something because I don’t want them to get in trouble. BUT, if I’m already home, I don’t drive back to the store.
What about you guys?
Lindsay says
My father runs a family business and has always said, “those who are willing to take the small stuff (office supplies, candy in stock room for the vending machines, etc.), will soon move onto the larger.” It has happened in the past, so now, if he finds out someone us taking supplies, they are fired. Stealing is stealing.
Michelle S. says
I agree Lindsay. I definitely think that is stealing.
Liz says
I’m one of those people who hates to try stuff on in the store and half the time, even if I do, I get home to find it doesn’t match what I thought it would so back it goes. But I didn’t wear it, I just tried it on and the stores I shop at take them back without question, tags still attached. It’s the same thing as ordering stuff online and finding it doesn’t fit. You wouldn’t keep that either. But buying something with the intent of returning it after use is ridiculous. Just rent something!
As far as the movies go, I used to love getting popcorn at the theatre but I now have allergies that don’t allow me to so I will either bring my own snack like I do everywhere else or don’t have anything. I am not stealing if I wasn’t going to buy anything anyway. It’s a movie theatre not a restaurant. They don’t want you to bring your own food because they make more money on you if you buy their inflated price food-stuffs. Actually at this point, movies are so stupidly expensive that I don’t go to them anymore either. I can rent it on DVD at Redbox and not feel bad if it doesn’t live up to the $1.34 or whatever I spent to see it that way. I usually have a coupon for Redbox too 🙂
Hotel shampoos and stuff that you have used but not used up are fair game. It’s kind of wasteful if you don’t take them and use them up. They will just get thrown out anyway. Just leave the linens!
As for tipping, in the US you have to factor in the cost of a tip into your meal. If you don’t have enough for the food you want and a tip either go to the grocery store and make your own meal or order within your means so you can tip properly. Does no one have self control anymore?