REPORT: Chinese Grandfather Pays in Cash at Hair Cuttery to Get Discount

No penny problem here, just single dollar bill problems.

Money Photo Credit: 401(K) 2012

December 31, 2020

We all know that one grandpa, either your own or someone else’s, who is always trying to pay in cash. Grandfathers have spent years mastering the art of receiving a percentage off the dinner bill through this simple trick. It’s a win-win deal because the owner saves money with no credit card fees, the grandfather feeds his grandchildren, and everyone rejoices in Mandarin. However, this can be perplexing to the Grandfather who finds himself in the wild i.e. outside of Chinatown.

A slightly bewildered yet clean cut Chinese grandfather, Kai Lee flashes a 100 dollar bill in front of the cashier at Hair Cuttery; “I should get a discount for paying in cash!” he asserts. “But the buzzcut only cost $10,” said the confused, lunch-lady-like woman behind the counter.

Lee, 78, had his grandson drive him to the Hair Cuttery to simply have the hair around his bald spot trimmed. It should have taken only a few moments, including checkout.

“This always works at the restaurant!” Lee exclaimed. “10% off if paid in cash!” The cashier responded this time with a curt but straightforward answer, “Sir the haircut was only $10 and this is not a restaurant. Plus, we don’t even have enough cash to break this bill. It’s 8:15 am.” Lee’s grandson provided comment but wished to remain anonymous, stammering “It’s been like this for a while. Last week he tried to get a discount for paying cash at our health insurance provider.”

“YeYe is uninsured and he showed up to the headquarters of Aetna to pay his premium in cash and they refused. We’re not surprised at all, we tried to tell him. But he just got in the car and drove 5 hours to Hartford, CT,” according to Lee’s grandson. He adds, “I’m honestly not surprised he keeps this much cash on him at all times. Last week he gave me $90 for my birthday… Yes it was supposed to be $100 but of course 10% off because it was paid in cash.”

If you or a loved one suffers from such persistence to pay in cash to get a discount, you can receive help through any 12-step program. However, these cannot be paid in cash.