An Aussie's 25-cent gesture completely confuses McDonald's employee — Find out why!

In a world where digital transactions are swiftly becoming the norm, it seems that the humble art of cash handling and basic arithmetic might be fading into obscurity. This was humorously highlighted in a recent incident at a McDonald's drive-thru, where an Australian mum's attempt at simplifying a transaction with a $5 note and a 25-cent coin left the cashier—and subsequently the manager—perplexed.


The mum's story, which she shared on the 'Meanwhile in Australia' social media page, has since gone viral, sparking a mixture of laughter, disbelief, and a touch of nostalgia among readers. The post has amassed nearly 10,000 likes and over 2,000 comments, igniting conversations about the current state of basic math skills among younger generations.


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A mum shared her experience with a McDonald's cashier at a drive-thru. Image Credit: Shutterstock/rzoze19


The transaction in question was a simple one: the customer's bill came to $4.25, and she handed over a $5 note along with a 25-cent coin. Her logic was straightforward—by providing the extra quarter, she expected to receive a single dollar coin in return, making for a neat and tidy exchange. However, the cashier was baffled by the gesture, responding with, 'You gave me too much money.' Despite the customer's explanation, the cashier called over the manager, who also seemed flummoxed and ultimately returned the 25-cent coin, giving back 75 cents in change instead.


The customer's concluding advice? 'Do not confuse the people at Maccas.'

This incident has not only amused and frustrated many but also raised questions about the current education system and whether it's adequately preparing young people for everyday tasks such as handling cash. Some commenters reminisced about their own experiences working in retail, where such transactions were commonplace and expected. Others defended the cashier, suggesting that the confusion could stem from a lack of experience with cash due to the increasing reliance on electronic payments.

Indeed, the shift towards a cashless society has its benefits, including convenience and security. However, it also means that fewer people are developing the skills to quickly and accurately handle physical currency. This can lead to awkward situations like the one at McDonald's, where the basic act of making change becomes a challenge.


The conversation has also touched on broader themes of generational differences in skill sets. While some lament the perceived decline in practical abilities like cash handling, others point out that each generation has its strengths and weaknesses, shaped by the environment and technology they grow up with.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of keeping traditional skills alive while also embracing the advantages of modern technology. It's essential to find a balance, ensuring that while we enjoy the conveniences of digital advancements, we don't lose the practical know-how that has served us well for so long.
Key Takeaways

  • An Australian mother shared a frustrating encounter at a McDonald's drive-thru when trying to simplify change for a $4.25 transaction with a $5 note and 25 cents.
  • The cashier and their manager were baffled by the customer's request to receive a single dollar coin in return, instead of the expected 75 cent change.
  • The incident sparked discussions about the current state of basic maths skills among younger generations, with many suggesting they are lacking in cash handling abilities.
  • While some criticised the younger generation's counting skills, others defended them by pointing out that less frequent use of cash could be a factor or that there might be other reasons for the confused response.
So, dear members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this amusing yet thought-provoking tale. Have you encountered similar experiences where basic math skills were lacking? How do you feel about the move towards a cashless society? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going!
 
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sorry folks this is not new, I have seen in repeatedly over the years, working in retail I have been gobsmacked at the lack of common sense when dealing with this situation even suggesting to the cashier "if you ring in the amount you have been given the register will tell you that the customer will receive a note or a larger coin making it easier for them ..........and the staff member just stares and goes What?? oh boy but I will say that there were scammers in those days too trying to confuse the staff member to hand over more money than they were entitled too, didn't work in our store too well as some of the young ones were savvy to what was going on.........
 
Seriously, SDC?
Bad enough the Pape stories, but recycling American apocrypha really is scraping the bottom of the barrel.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Iggydi
Yes, happened to me once, but girl went & got a calculator. That's today's youth, can't work it out in their head.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Iggydi
A couple of months ago I purchased an item from one of those “pop up” shops in a shopping centre.

The cost of the item was $15 so I gave the guy a $20 note. He was having trouble using the cash register and had only dealt with card transactions, not cash. I handed him the $20 and said just open the till and give me my $5 change. He couldn’t do it. After about 4 or 5 minutes, I said, “Look, do you want me to pay by card?” He was quite relieved and said yes please.”

Cash registers must be made differently now. 😆🤷🏼‍♀️
 
A couple of months ago I purchased an item from one of those “pop up” shops in a shopping centre.

The cost of the item was $15 so I gave the guy a $20 note. He was having trouble using the cash register and had only dealt with card transactions, not cash. I handed him the $20 and said just open the till and give me my $5 change. He couldn’t do it. After about 4 or 5 minutes, I said, “Look, do you want me to pay by card?” He was quite relieved and said yes please.”

Cash registers must be made differently now. 😆🤷🏼‍♀️
I remember you telling me that. I cracked up! It's not the cash register's fault, it's the "employee's" fault! Sack him.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: DLHM and Iggydi
I love a cashless society, what happened at Macca's happened to me numerous time in Australia in the last 60years... once I even tried unsuccessfully to return a $50.-note when expecting a $5.-note at a chemist in the city!!! the cash register was shared with other assistants and the one I talk to did not want to have to call the supervisor and own up to her mistake.... well then they got those cash registers that told them how much change they should give back :ROFLMAO:
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Iggydi
Do they bill you $2.00 every month?
Why would the customer be billed anything? The $1.50 charge is the cost for making up a statement for the 1c in the account & is carried by the Bank themselves. That would hurt the bank's profits, $18 per year off their total profit of millions of billions of $'s.
 
I migrated as an Anglo-Indian (look that term up if you don’t know what that is) in 1965. Had no problem transitioning from Indian Rupees to Pounds, Shillings & Pence and then to Dollars and Cents. I was properly educated in English, Maths, French, Geography, Biology etc in India.

This age of so-called technology has its good and bad points. However, if you ask young people upto their 20s and 30s to read a clock and ask what time it is so many of them will not know how because all they have to do is look at a digital watch!
 
This age of so-called technology has its good and bad points. However, if you ask young people upto their 20s and 30s to read a clock and ask what time it is so many of them will not know how because all they have to do is look at a digital watch!
They would be totally screwed if they joined the military with the 24 hour clock!
 

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