Well, sometimes it is. Dave Stolar, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's single sales manager, said employees noticed missing papers from many of the company's 1,600 machines. I go up to them and say, 'I'd really appreciate it if you would just take one. The same idea is at work at Blockbuster Video, where each store has a phone for customers to make local calls. The idea is to allow people to consult with the family about choosing a video.
Some businesses trust their customers to such an extent that it almost seems foolish.
At the Raleigh-Durham Airport in North Carolina, the owners of The Book Cellar leave thousands of used books unattended on shelves. If someone wants one, they're supposed to put money into a padlocked box. Almost everyone does. In fact, people without enough cash have taken books and sent a check by mail after they land at their destination. I'm sure we lose some books, but it's a great draw.