Post #322053 by Tiki King on Mon, Jul 30, 2007 4:23 PM

I have two views on this.
If an item has the name and address and/or phone number, then it is advertising. personalization is one thing, but you do not need the address and phone number of a place you are sitting in, so it would seem that they assume you will take it, and while using it, be reminded to come back.

However, an item just being on your table or having the business name on it is not an invitation to take it. There is sort of a legacy perception that it's not really stealing. I think it came from people stealing stuff. You notice that hotels don’t put their names on stuff any more? that's because if they do, it gets stolen. I personally make it a habit to say, "do I get to keep the mug?"

There are of course, people who just steal stuff, and I have had to make a few decisions as to whether it was worth the possible out come to call them on it. Pretty much every time I vend, I have to say “excuse me, did you want to buy that?” as someone is walking off with merchandise. Necklaces, CD’s, Stickers…They always look surprised and say, “Oh, I thought they were free”, even though the price was clearly marked. people will, and do, take anything. I even saw a friends date slipping stuff into her pocket when she thought I was not paying attention. it can be difficult, because you don’t want to embarrass people. But sometimes you have to. Once however, a very large, half naked fellow covered in large scars and prison tattoos picked up one of my “UKE” stickers, looked me in the eye and said, “I’m taking this”. I let it go.

But in general, I think the “excuse me, did you want to buy that?” route is the best way. It lets people know that you are watching, and the stuffs not free, but if it was a legitimate mistake, you don't start a fight with someone who may come back and spend money.

http://www.tikiking.com Neat Tiki and Ukulele Stuff
http://www.download.com/tikiking Hear the King sing!

[ Edited by: Tiki King 2007-07-30 16:27 ]