Need to issue a small refund.

Need to issue a small refund.

Sold a photo to a lady out-of-state, and mistakenly charged her my local sales tax. (I normally ask first, but it slipped my mind this time when I created the invoice) She never said a word and paid via PayPal. The amount is less than $2. I will be shipping it out on Monday.

How should I handle this? Can I do a partial refund to her via PayPal so that she doesn't incur any fees? Or, should I just include a refund check in with the photo?

Thanks.

If the paypal transaction is still current (I think less than 60 days old) you can refund the $2 back on the transaction and there aren't any additional fees. Actually you''ll get some of the original % fee back as the total amount of the transaction will be lower.

Dave

Drop a $5 Starbucks gift card into the package with a small note explaining the discrepancy.

What if she is allergic to coffee/tea or just hates Starbucks in general?

If you take someone's money you should give them money back.

Agree with Mr. Marchant. The client might even get offended because her religion forbids stimulants.

I drink coffee at home, but I've never gone to Starbuck's and don't care to go. It takes all kinds, right?

It's very easy to issue a partial refund on paypal. Just go to the original transaction, it's obvious once you look.

Have you contacted the customer about it?

Personally, I'd reach out to the client and explain that I mistakenly charged ~$2 more, and ask how they would like to receive the return.

BTW: You don't necessarily have to utilize the 'refund' action in PayPal. If she wants it returned via PayPal, you could always PayPal gift it back to here w/o any fees.

All for 'under $2.00'?
I'd put a $5 dollar bill in with the print along with a short note explaining the overcharge.

She will not have any fees from PayPal for an refund. Just be sure you issue a refund and not "send" her money.
It is really easy.

OhLook wrote in post #15923217
Agree with Mr. Marchant. The client might even get offended because her religion forbids stimulants.

I drink coffee at home, but I've never gone to Starbuck's and don't care to go. It takes all kinds, right?

That's the first I've heard the 'religion' argument for Starbucks. The card could also be used for food / juice / other 'non-stimulating' items, or even be used to buy a 'cup' for a friend who did. I can't imagine anyone would actually be offended by offering a gift card for more than double the amount that was due as a return, but I guess our society is very litigious these days.

Foodguy wrote in post #15923980
All for 'under $2.00'?
I'd put a $5 dollar bill in with the print along with a short note explaining the overcharge.

^^This^^

Pay it forward and create a little good Karma.

Foodguy wrote in post #15923980
All for 'under $2.00'?
I'd put a $5 dollar bill in with the print along with a short note explaining the overcharge.

Sounds like a good plan. A few people have come up with some different reasons for why the client wouldn't like Starbucks, and a few more reasons could probably be made for other retailers. Cash always works though. If the client didn't even notice, she'll be surprised at your attention to detail and desire to make it right. She might even be so impressed that she'll buy more from you in the future just because of this one little thing. Or, of she didn't notice the first time, then you might be able to get away without doing anything.

Re: Starbucks card

I would not be offended by a Starbucks card, and I know that they have some things I like even though I do not drink coffee, but I'd still have to make a special trip as I never go there.

I am odd that way, though.

Our company (non-photography related) issues prepaid dunkin-donuts, starbucks, and american express cards ranging from $25-$150 for mistakes all the time... I got annoyed just reading some of those "PC" comments regarding religious views/allergies/offend​ing somebody, I mean c'mon! You can't please everybody, but when it comes down to a $5 gift card to something it's really the thought that counts and not the dollar amount/what it can be used for.

2$ mistake... Pay back 5$.... Not a good business model there!!! You inadvertently assess incorrect tax and caught it. Notify her and ask if she wants it pay paled or cash.... That's your good karma.... You gave back her money! She will appreciate that! Gift card???? Why????