You break it, you buy it?

[Cogito]

What is the generally accepted way of handling an accidental incident of breakage or damage in a store? I was in a liquor store today and apparently someone accidentally knocked a bottle of wine on the floor, breaking it, while picking up another nearby bottle. The manager was telling this customer that he had to pay for it, and threatening to call the police if he did not get his money. I think the amount involved was around $15-20. Shouldn't the store have insurance to cover this kind of thing?

 

[mechanicx]

I don't know all the legality but that is ridiculous what the shop clerk did. I never seen a store do that. I doubt the police would do anything if someone accidentally knocked over a bottle. It's like if you invite someone in your house and they accidentally break something. there's not much you can do, but make them leave or file a small claims for the damage.

 

[flanso]

I was told that in Missouri, if a merchant chooses to display merchandise within reach of shoppers, the merchant assumes responsibility for accidental damage that the shoppers may cause.

 

[Big_Ed]

Man, is the bad press this shop getting over this worth the $20? They certainly would lose that customer forever. And most likely that customer's friends and relatives would boycott as well.

 

[Cogito]

The owner of this store is a jerk. I bought a bottle of liquor from them about 5 years ago, and they put it in a paper bag that was too small to hold it safely. Well, as I was walking out, the bag ripped, and the bottle hit the floor and broke. I told them it was their fault for giving me a bag that was too small, but they wouldn't make it right. I didn't shop there for a couple of years, but now I make sure they give me a decent bag.

 

[PandaBear]

I'd say if they display it at the obvious location that you are responsible for damages, and if they charge only the cost of the merchandise rather than the retail price, that's fine.

But threaten to call a cop on the customer? Give me a break, that's an insult to the store owner himself.

 

[Shannow]

There's heaps of stores down here that have a you break it you buy it policy.

Can't stand up in law, unless there is a sign before you an get to the break it stage telling you so, because then you are in contract.

Same reason you have 15 mins free parking, as you have no opportunity to read (and accept) the writing on the back of the parking docket until you have it.

Hold it for 15 mins, and you own the consequences

 

[Vilan]

If I broke something in a store, I'd expect to pay them back for it. What if some random dude walks in, shoves over a rack of bottles, and runs off? Just

and carry on?

 

[eljefino]

I knocked over a bunch of mugs in a family-owned tourist trap with my side-carry camera bag. Put them all back up; one chipped. Took it to cashier to buy. She said I didn't want it, it was chipped. I said I did it. She called her Mom across the room, pointed to the mug and myself. They discussed the situation in Chinese and I got it for 50% off!

If someone threatens to call the caps, call their bluff. Around here too many calls for police service get bars in serious trouble come liquor license time; don't know how that applies to package stores. When the cops show up and make you pay just tell the officer you weren't sure what the law was and that's why you stuck around to find out. Remember, you're passing through and can shop elsewhere next time; that store owner is stuck with that police department forever!

 

[Cutehumor]

the clerk was trying to punk the customer. that person should tell the cops when they arrive "the customer is always right"

 

[stockrex]

don't shops have insurance for that kinda stuff, I always offer to pay as my little has caused a few "accidents" but they always respond back with "don't worry about it".

but don't visit liq stores so no experience there. buy my fine wine at costco.

 

[mechtech2]

I generally believe that: "If you break it, you fix or replace it. If you empty it, you fill it. "
That type of responsible thinking.

But an accident in a store is something else. How many times have we heard over the speaker system, "Clean up in aisle 3!" ?
Stores don't go to court over pickle relish.

BTW, the retail cost is not the real issue, the cost to the owner is.
This makes the whole thing kinda silly.

 

[expat]

As I understand things here, if a bottle breaks the neck with the intact seal is kept for a credit from the supplier (no Taxes are paid or collected either)
Frankly, if I had the time, I would LOVE the guy to call the cops

 

[RTexasF]

The local Hooch store I go to has signs throughout the store saying "You break it, you buy it". I would expect to pay for something I broke.... signs or not.