| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 3 |
CouponKT
Our family is complete
Member since 6/06 16494 total posts
Name:
K
|
Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I want to see your opinion on this scenario to see if you think my actions were acceptable or not
Scenario:
I made hotel reservations for guys at work to go to a Marriott hotel for a trade show. The rate and location was already negotiated through the show. I signed into my eBates and made the reservations for all the rooms. I netted $66 into my eBates account for doing the transaction.
Boss feels it was wrong since I personally profited off a work transaction.
I feel it was fine because whether I used my eBates or not did not change the reservations that were made, it was going to be done anyway. The rebate I get is from eBates, not the hotel.
Would you have done the same thing? Do you personally profit off any kind of work transaction (kick-backs)?
|
Posted 5/30/12 6:26 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
DumpsterBaby
My compass when I'm lost
Member since 5/11 2210 total posts
Name:
My anchor when I get tossed
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I think it is wrong. I don't think you should have logged into your eBates. It screams of a scammy way to make money off the comapny. Why didn't you just call the hotel directly to make the reservations?
ETA: Any job I had, I could get fired on the spot for accepting kickbacks.
Message edited 5/30/2012 6:32:08 PM.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 6:31 PM |
| |
|
emilylives
biking
Member since 12/09 2163 total posts
Name:
Emily
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I totally see where you're coming from. That being said, at my company (I work for my dad at a 10-person company), if someone did that, I would wonder why they didn't create an ebates account for the office. The company is paying, so they should get any benefit/kickback. We're a small start-up, so any little bit matters.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 6:32 PM |
| |
|
CouponKT
Our family is complete
Member since 6/06 16494 total posts
Name:
K
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by DumpsterBaby
ETA: Any job I had, I could get fired on the spot for accepting kickbacks.
And I agree with that if it sways your decision to use a vendor. In this case, there was no choice on my part, the place was already chosen, KWIM?
|
| Posted 5/30/12 6:33 PM |
| |
|
DumpsterBaby
My compass when I'm lost
Member since 5/11 2210 total posts
Name:
My anchor when I get tossed
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by emilylives
I totally see where you're coming from. That being said, at my company (I work for my dad at a 10-person company), if someone did that, I would wonder why they didn't create an ebates account for the office. The company is paying, so they should get any benefit/kickback. We're a small start-up, so any little bit matters.
I can get on board with that train of thought. The company is spending the money, so if any kickback is to be made, it should go to them.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 6:33 PM |
| |
|
DumpsterBaby
My compass when I'm lost
Member since 5/11 2210 total posts
Name:
My anchor when I get tossed
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by CouponKT
Posted by DumpsterBaby
ETA: Any job I had, I could get fired on the spot for accepting kickbacks.
And I agree with that if it sways your decision to use a vendor. In this case, there was no choice on my part, the place was already chosen, KWIM?
I still don't think it was right. To me, I would feel guilty doing this. Personally profiting off the company's expense seems wrong to me. Maybe he wouldn't be mad if you had asked him first. It seems sneaky the way you did it. How did he find out?
|
| Posted 5/30/12 6:35 PM |
| |
|
saraH
happy birthday sweet kate!
Member since 5/05 16555 total posts
Name:
I know that God exsists, I held her in my arms...
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I don't think I would have done that. Just seems wrong to me.
You're not paying for the Hotel out of your pocket so why should you make a profit?
|
| Posted 5/30/12 6:37 PM |
| |
|
Serendipity
Summer!
Member since 4/07 7631 total posts
Name:
PrayingWishingHopingALOT
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Yeah I dont think I would do that either Id actually be afraid that there would be consequences to that.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 6:41 PM |
| |
|
LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I think it is wrong and frankly most companies would fire you for cause.
ETA: After college I worked for a law firm and one of the vendors gave me a birthday present. He saw the flowers and balloons in my office and brought it the next day in a birthday card. It was a $50 GC to a local restaurant. I brought the GC and card to my supervisor and her supervisor to ask I could accept it. They said yes. I would not feel comfortable doing what you did and I would want to give the $ to your company.
Message edited 5/30/2012 7:06:29 PM.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 6:57 PM |
| |
|
Lara&Aidansmommy
For mom i miss u ETC ILOVEU
Member since 3/07 13921 total posts
Name:
ETC I LOVE YOU
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by LSP2005
I think it is wrong and frankly most companies would fire you for cause.
This. My company would let me go if I did this.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 7:04 PM |
| |
|
CouponKT
Our family is complete
Member since 6/06 16494 total posts
Name:
K
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
No worries, I'm not getting fired 
My boss is my FIL and I told him I did it since I didn't see wrong in it.
The solution is we are making a work eBates account, I just didn't think of it before.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 7:08 PM |
| |
|
Domino
Always My Miracle
Member since 9/05 9923 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I guess there is something wrong with my moral compass. I look at it like you. I have had several positions where i was in charge of office supplies. Usually if you order a certain amount from Staples they give you a free gift. We were going to place the order anyway and I didnt spend extra just to get the gift. What is my firm going to do with perfumed sea salts?
Maybe I never worked the kind of job where my bosses would have had a problem with it.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 7:20 PM |
| |
|
Kate
*****
Member since 5/05 7557 total posts
Name:
Kate
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
My old company made you book your travel yourself, on your own credit card, and get reimbursed. In that case, everyone could benefit from credit card points, miles, etc., so I don't see the difference between that and you using your eBates account.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 7:23 PM |
| |
|
AngnShaun
Sisters
Member since 1/10 21015 total posts
Name:
Ang
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by Domino
I guess there is something wrong with my moral compass. I look at it like you. I have had several positions where i was in charge of office supplies. Usually if you order a certain amount from Staples they give you a free gift. We were going to place the order anyway and I didnt spend extra just to get the gift. What is my firm going to do with perfumed sea salts?
Maybe I never worked the kind of job where my bosses would have had a problem with it.
I honestly thought the same thing.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 7:23 PM |
| |
|
tink23
Step by step....
Member since 6/11 1061 total posts
Name:
Lori
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by CouponKT
No worries, I'm not getting fired
My boss is my FIL and I told him I did it since I didn't see wrong in it.
The solution is we are making a work eBates account, I just didn't think of it before.
I think in most typical work environments it would be inappropriate.
In your case, I don't think you are *totally* wrong for doing it because you're FIL is your boss. Besides, you only did it once and realized it may not be the right thing to do.
Setting up an office ebates account for future purchases is a good move!
|
| Posted 5/30/12 7:40 PM |
| |
|
fairybug
LIF Infant
Member since 5/12 71 total posts
Name:
T
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I wouldn't do it, I would be paranoid. A lot of people I know have been fired for "kick backs" and "favors". If I did do it, I would use the 66 bucks and buy lunch for the guys in the office..it was "their" trip that got the money.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 7:43 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
It's one of those things where it seems innocent enough and obviously not done with any ill intent...but still would make me uneasy, if that makes sense?
Maybe I am weird, but if, for example, my HR girl was getting free stuff/cash by booking my travel expenses, I'd be a little annoyed. I'd rather the money go back to the company, or the free stuff used as a raffle. IDK. 
Message edited 5/30/2012 7:45:30 PM.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 7:45 PM |
| |
|
JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I would have NO problem with it. You're not costing the company anything, nor did ebates influence where you booked.
It's the same as when I'm laying out money for something for work, I will use my credit card that gets points and I am getting a kickback. By the same token, I use my Bn.com and amazon prime accounts to save the company money on shipping.
There are a lot of companies that give you credit cards for expenses and when you charge things YOU keep the points. It was one of the perks of DH's old job. He didn't pay that bill, yet he ended up with all of the points in his name. Similarly, when he traveled, he kept all of the frequent flier and hotel program points even though he didn't pay a dime. It was totally expected and anadvertosed perk.
Anyway, I don't see how going through ebates is ANY different than charging something for a company which you will be reimbursed for, and choosing to use a credit card that gets points instead of using your debit card for no points
|
| Posted 5/30/12 8:23 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by Kate
My old company made you book your travel yourself, on your own credit card, and get reimbursed. In that case, everyone could benefit from credit card points, miles, etc., so I don't see the difference between that and you using your eBates account.
This
|
| Posted 5/30/12 8:45 PM |
| |
|
Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by LSP2005
I think it is wrong and frankly most companies would fire you for cause.
ETA: After college I worked for a law firm and one of the vendors gave me a birthday present. He saw the flowers and balloons in my office and brought it the next day in a birthday card. It was a $50 GC to a local restaurant. I brought the GC and card to my supervisor and her supervisor to ask I could accept it. They said yes. I would not feel comfortable doing what you did and I would want to give the $ to your company.
I agree.
My contract specifically states that I can accept no gifts or other compensation valued ay $75. or more.
In this economic climate, using e-bates the way the OP did, could be grounds for disciplinary action or termination.
In the past, my DH has had to pay out of pocket for business expenses and charged them to our personal (rewards) credit card. In such a case, we are putting up our own money for a period of at least a few weeks on our own card so we do keep the rewards.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 9:21 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
I think it's a little tacky- I agree with your FIL.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 9:26 PM |
| |
|
alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Its against company policy and I would be walked out door immediately
|
| Posted 5/30/12 9:58 PM |
| |
|
lovemyfamily88
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/10 641 total posts
Name:
????
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
In my position at work I buy tons of stuff online with a company credit card from many vendors that are on ebates. I would NEVER use my personal ebates account. Its stealing. The money should go to the holder of the credit card, not you. I would be instantly fired!
|
| Posted 5/30/12 10:22 PM |
| |
|
ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
Posted by AngnShaun
Posted by Domino
I guess there is something wrong with my moral compass. I look at it like you. I have had several positions where i was in charge of office supplies. Usually if you order a certain amount from Staples they give you a free gift. We were going to place the order anyway and I didnt spend extra just to get the gift. What is my firm going to do with perfumed sea salts?
Maybe I never worked the kind of job where my bosses would have had a problem with it.
I honestly thought the same thing.
Me too.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 10:35 PM |
| |
|
newbie00
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 1191 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Moral Question - opinions welcome (eBates related)
The discount should have went back to the company, not an employee.
Employee shouldn't benefit from an work related transaction.
|
| Posted 5/30/12 10:45 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 3 |
