An Anniversary Story

Our upcoming anniversary caused me to remember a story about one of my co-workers who can best be described as “cheap.” He would probably argue he is simply being frugal. He has proudly told this story on several occasions as being 100 percent true. You can’t make this stuff up.

Co-worker (CW) and his wife were approaching a significant wedding anniversary and she had informed him she wanted a particular brand of perfume. According to him, it was way too expensive–$60 per bottle–but he was willing to make the purchase to make her happy.

Shopping around for the best price, CW discovered the perfume on sale at a local department store–$15 per bottle below what other stores in the area were selling it. He went to the store and purchased three bottles of the perfume. (Stay with me here; it gets good.)

Taking the three bottles of reduced price perfume to a DIFFERENT store, he approached the Customer Service counter and informed the store employee he had “bought this perfume for several female members of my family, but I got the wrong brand.”  (Don’t miss it—he’s at a store where he DIDN’T originally make the purchase.)

“Would you like to exchange the perfume?” asked the store employee.

“No. Your store doesn’t carry the brand they really want. I’d rather just get my money back.”

“We’re sorry we weren’t able to help you. We’ll be glad to refund your purchase. Do you have the receipt?”

“No, I accidentally threw it away.”

“That’s fine. Our store policy allows us to issue a refund since you bought it here.”  (Had he said that??!!)

The store employee punched several keys on the cash register, produced a “refund” slip which CW signed, and then she handed him his “refund” $180. CW pocketed the money, drove BACK to the original store and purchased ONE BOTTLE of perfume for $45!!!

He never told his wife. That’s true love right there.

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