Workplace Dilemma

[Wilpar76]

I have a good working relationship with my boss; however, something happened today that is really making me reconsider my previous statement.

My boss talks about her brother in the Army all the time. Long story short, just before the holidays she said he was stationed in Germany and was coming home for two weeks. I asked if she would ask him to get something for me and bring it with him. I said I would reimburse him for the cost. (BTW, the products in question were two Irisch Moos shave sticks and two tubes of the Irisch Moos shaving cream.) She talked to him and he said sure, no problem.

Fast forward to about 15 minutes ago, when my boss called me into her office. She said she had the products. I asked her how much, and she said $60. I said ok and went back to my desk. Here is where it gets interesting. As I inspected the products, I saw the price stickers. The shaving soap sticks and tubes of shaving cream were 5.99 Euros and 3.99 Euros a piece, respectively. That converts to approximately $9 and $6 for the soap and cream, respectively. I rounded up to get those numbers. Now, I don't know anything about sales tax in Germany, but at face value this transaction should only have cost me approximately $30.

My question is should I call her on it? I am inclined to chalk this one up to a lesson learned since I already said I would reimburse at cost. Even though this is not a work related issue, I really feel as is this incident will change (in my mind) our working relationship.

 

[stobes21]

I would say something about it, but not in a confrontational way. Just try something like "hey, the price stickers on these say that this was in the range of about 20 euros. Has the exchange rate gone nuts again or did he have to pay over sticker price or something?" Play it casual and inquisitive rather than confrontational. It may well just have been a math error on one of their parts instead of an intentional attempt to fleece you.

 

[SpyvSpy]

I'd just pay the extra amount. She is your boss and she didn't have to ask her brother to get those for you. I can see the point of being ripped off but is it worth it.

 

[Chimensch]

Your boss's brother doesn't know you and would have no reason to do you a favor. He went out of his way to get you the stuff and may have added something for his time. If the brother told his sister the amount he wanted from you, she may have had no say in it. You risk offending her for something that's not her fault.

 

[mmack66]

30 dollars for hand delivery service sounds pretty good.

 

[Austin]

Your boss's brother doesn't know you and would have no reason to do you a favor. He went out of his way to get you the stuff and may have added something for his time. If the brother told his sister the amount he wanted from you, she may have had no say in it. You risk offending her for something that's not her fault.

Agreed. I would just pay it and not ask for any more favors. No need to create future problems.

 

[FreezerBurns]

I think if you brought it up to her she would say, "Yes, the total includes a $30 Finder's Fee, what of it?" Then you would reply with, "It would have been nice to know up front about the Finder's Fee," and so on.

Anyway, I know a few of these irritating "Finder's Fee" people. I think chalking it up to lesson learned would be the thing to do here.

 

[Thebigspendur]

The price should have been negotiated previously. You didn't so now you pay what is asked of you. Just pay it and move on.

 

[Hreafn]

Pay it. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest their pubic hair. That is how you deal with people who fleece you, karma is a *****.

 

[DaveAri]

agreed. I would just pay it and not ask for any more favors. No need to create future problems.

+1

 

[*King G*]

+1 on paying and chalking it up to experience.

 

[Obsessed]

You really need to judge based on your knowledge of your relationship with your boss. If it's truly a good relationship, there's no harm in politely and non-confrontationally asking how the price was derived. Maybe it was an honest mistake, and maybe there was a legitimate reason for it (e.g., her brother had to pay some kind of customs duty to bring the stuff over here). Even if there's not a good explanation, and even it it's some kind of "finder's fee," you can still just say "oh, o.k." and move on if you don't want to argue about it.

Of course, if you feel that even asking may be problematic, then just eat the extra $30. It's a tough call. On the one hand, you don't want to do something to jeopardize your position. On the other hand, you don't want your boss to think you're someone she can take advantage of. Obviously, just because someone is your boss and did you a favor doesn't mean they have a right to fleece you. The idea that they can unilaterally add a "finder's fee" is absurd. Now, if that's what happened, it may be wise just to let it go, but it indicates a fundamental lack of trustworthiness, and as the economy improves you might want to consider your options.

Edit: obviously, check the exchange rate before you decide what to do.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

"People are strange"

R. Krieger J Morrison 1967

 

[valmara1971]

Okay two thoughts.
1. Do you know your boss is aware of the actual cost of the items? Her brother may have just said "it's $60" and she may have not thought to question his maths or motives. We don't know much about their relationship.
2. This may be a test of your fortitude in the workplace. Are you in line for a promotion shortly? Would you be or are you now in a position where you have to stand up for others?

 

[The Nid Hog]

Lots of talk on here about supporting the troops. Now's your chance to do it. You just paid for your boss' brother to take a young lady out for drinks whie he's on leave. Good job.

 

[valmara1971]

Lots of talk on here about supporting the troops. Now's your chance to do it. You just paid for your boss' brother to take a young lady out for drinks whie he's on leave. Good job.

Or you have just helped set up this generations Sgt Bilko

 

[Hreafn]

Dont call me sir my parents are married and I work for a living.

 

[Gray Wolf]

Lots of talk on here about supporting the troops. Now's your chance to do it. You just paid for your boss' brother to take a young lady out for drinks whie he's on leave. Good job.

I think that's a good take on the whole thing!

 

[TimmyBoston]

It's your boss. You asked for the favor. You got over-charged. Sorry about it, but you'll have to let it go.

 

[Crazy Dave]

I think I would keep quiet. You have just learned why I never do things like this with bosses. The relationship is already complex enough without adding more complexity. Believe me, you got off cheap. People have lost their jobs.

Dave