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When I think about cash register tips, I'm reminded of an employee theft I once witnessed.  On that day, not that long ago, I was purchasing a $3.00 package of paper towels in a convenience store that was owned by a client. 

It was late in the day, about 5 minutes before closing.  As I was standing in the lineup waiting for my turn to pay, I observed the cashier, “Marcie” (not her real name) interacting with her customers. 

I noticed that she was mentally calculating their change instead of having the cash register do it for her. 

That seemed to impress a lot of customers, but not me!

As I approached the counter when it was my turn to pay, I noticed that “Marcie” had not closed the cash drawer from the previous transaction. 

I watched as she took my 5 dollar bill, mentally calculated 45 cents in tax, and gave me $1.55 in change.  The numbers added up, but her behavior did not. 

She was stealing money right in front of...