AITA for refusing to return a computer I bought after the store called and told me that I paid the wrong price for it?
A trip to a pawn shop turned into a high-stakes standoff after one customer unknowingly purchased a mispriced computer for $89 instead of its intended $899 price tag. Now, the store manager is demanding the return of the computer or an extra payment—and even threatened to call the police.
The customer, who bought the computer fair and square, now wonders: Should they return it out of goodwill, or stand their ground against an aggressive shop owner?
‘AITA for refusing to return a computer I bought after the store called and told me that I paid the wrong price for it?’
Expert Analysis:
Legally Speaking: Who Owns the Computer?
According to consumer law expert Professor Mark Edelman, once an item is purchased at an advertised price and the transaction is completed, it legally belongs to the buyer—even if the store made a mistake.
“In most cases, retailers are responsible for labeling errors, not the customer. Unless there was evidence of fraud or deception on the buyer’s part, the store has no legal ground to demand additional payment.”
Additionally, threatening to charge a card without authorization is illegal. If the manager attempts to charge the extra $800, the customer can dispute the charge with their credit card company—and the store could face legal consequences for unauthorized transactions.
Ethically Speaking: Should the Customer Give It Back?
While the law is on the customer’s side, the ethics of the situation are less clear-cut.
Financial ethicist Dr. Laura Bennett explains: “If a small business suffers a massive loss due to a simple mistake, some customers may feel morally obligated to return the item or negotiate a fair resolution. However, the shop’s aggressive behavior—including threats and intimidation—makes this less about ethics and more about harassment.”
In short, if the shop owner had approached the situation respectfully, the customer might have considered returning the computer. But the hostile response changes the dynamics entirely.
if OP wants to take the higher road, they could:
- Offer to return the computer for a refund, provided the manager apologizes for his behavior.
- Negotiate a compromise, such as returning it in exchange for store credit.
- Stand firm and report the manager’s threats to local authorities if the harassment continues.
Here’s what Redditors had to say about the situation:
The majority of commenters sided with OP, emphasizing that the pawn shop’s mistake is not the customer’s responsibility. Many pointed out that if the roles were reversed—where OP accidentally overpaid—the shop likely wouldn’t offer a refund.
However, a few users suggested that OP should consider the ethical side, arguing that keeping the computer knowingly causes a financial loss for a small business. Others believed that a middle-ground solution—like offering to sell it back at a fair price—could be a reasonable compromise.
What would you do in this situation? Would you return the computer out of goodwill, or would you stand your ground against the pawn shop’s threats? Share your thoughts below!