USPS · Money Handling and Accuracy

A customer receives incorrect change and points this out politely. You realize they are correct. How do you handle this?

Correct answer

Correct the change immediately, apologize briefly, and continue with professional service

  1. A Deny making an error
  2. B Correct the change immediately, apologize briefly, and continue with professional service
  3. C Make a scene about it
  4. D Count the entire drawer in front of the customer

Why this is the answer

Correcting errors immediately and professionally, with a brief acknowledgment and apology, is the correct response. The customer is not being difficult — they are pointing out a legitimate error. A brief, professional correction restores trust. Making a scene, denying the error, or engaging in lengthy defensive behavior are all unprofessional. Counting the entire drawer in public while other customers wait is unnecessary — simply correct the change and note the discrepancy in your records.
Source: USPS 477 VEA, Cash Handling Correction