Originally Posted by
ophiura
I don't think he is a thief or a liar. But you don't have to break the law to be unethical.
I'm sorry folks but I don't recall a time where I was in a situation and there was clear uncertainty on the part of the workers over something I KNEW should be a certain price, getting a real lowball price, and taking advantage of that. Maybe it is the quality of the places I buy from
But I am a fair person and understand that businesses have to make money. I respect that.
Yes, the LFS guy should have marked the tank. But I can make no judgements against him for having inexperienced employees. I don't know that situation at all.
And to say he has plenty of money, he has such and such a car...so it is OK, well that REALLY disturbs me.
One wrong does not make a right in terms of it the LFS overcharges the customer, the customer can nail them back. First, this is a perception and not always the reality...you don't know their supplier, their rent, their insurance, etc. It may not even apply to this store. I ASSUME that you would not continue to shop at a store that would be taking advantage of people left and right. THAT is how you tell a shop that you don't respect them.
I think if he bought a colony or two, OK maybe that's one thing. I can definitely see the argument easily. But buying them all KNOWING that there is some problem, brag about getting more or selling them back LOL....something is not right there, IMO.
So sorry, NO, I have not taken advantage of this sort of situation exactly because I would feel real guilty about it. There is no hypocrisy. There is just something not right. There is something distasteful about this whole thing...I don't know if it is the bragging, the lack of any appearance of moderation (buy them all!!), the "its OK cause he's got a fancy car," or what...but there is something not right. And I am distrubed so many people ARE telling a 13 year old this is fine. At least show moderation, please....
And about not answering other questions: Please understand that questions that get few answers often do not get them because they are a common question. Try searching first and then modifying your question. Or it could mean there is not enough info or the tone lacks something.
But people look for different questions to answer...and this is one. If we complain about the LFS being unethical towards charging customers, should we take advantage of them when we can?? Is there a line between getting a good deal, and taking advantage of people? 1 or 2 colonies may be a good deal, IMO, buying as many as you can (and more than you can probably keep) knowing there was probably some mistake is taking advantage.
Just a quick note... Ophiura, I appreciate your posts. You have a nice way of expressing yourself and it is clear that you make a conscious effort not to demean anyone, even if you disagree with their statements. Not to kiss-up too much or anything but I always try to read your posts in discussions because your points are valid and backed up with logical explanations.
Now that all the love is in the air, I don't agree with your opinion on the ethics of Connors purchase. We can't even assume that the price is wrong... as I stated before, looks like this "sale" earned the store a customer. But we should be careful about making ethical judgments about each other. Everyone has different standards but people often seem to believe they are superior because they feel more ethical than someone else. Live and let live.
