Receiving returns of 1, 2 and 5 cents at the supermarket checkout annoys many customers. Many people round up the amount at the checkout and “donate” the difference to the cashier.

But does the supposed tip really benefit the cash register employees?

Rounding up at the supermarket checkout: the “tip” ends here

Basically, the employment contract states that employees working at the cash register are responsible for proper cash management.

The so-called deficiency agreement, a supplement to employees' employment contracts, also documents exactly how excess stock should be treated at the cash register.

If there is a positive deficit, that is, too much money in the cash register, the amount cannot be kept, but must be given to the entrepreneur, that is, the company. The excess is then recorded in the accounting under the heading “Other irregular income”.

Tip cashiers: This applies in pharmacies.

Pharmacy employees cannot keep the money either and have to hand it over to the company, as “T-Online” writes.

If there is a negative difference, the missing amount is usually deducted from the underpayment that cashiers receive in addition to their salary.

Donating the remaining pennies to do something good for the employee doesn't make much sense: the money never reaches them.

There is a risk of accusations of improper cash management

Employees always deposit excess money directly into the cash register. According to the law, employees cannot carry their own money with them when working at the cash register or leave it next to the cash register. This is intended to dispel the accusation of improper cash management, that is, taking or depositing money in the cash register.

Employees also cannot accept small gifts or gifts such as chocolates or similar items. The reason for this is the accusation of bribery, which could later arise.