Hypothetically, of course, Am I Stealing?

I’ve always found high quality disposable paper hand towels to be a nice touch in one’s bathroom.  Something special for guests to wipe their hands on, rather than cloth towels (creates more laundry; and who knows who has wiped their hands before you.)

In my quest to purchase the ‘right’ hand towel for my bathroom, I’ve done a bit of research and it seems that there are 3 ways to go …

One ...  Visit a high end paper shop (i.e. Kate’s Paperie) where you can purchase paper hand towels that are packaged in sets of 8 to 12 and range in price from $14 to $25 (approximately $2 per towel).

Or … with a click of the mouse, you can find hand towels on the Internet, with a simple floral or bird motif, priced at under $50 per 500 sheets. (10 cents per towel)

Or … and here’s my dilemma ... you can ‘find’ incredibly luxurious hand towels at a variety of high end stores (i.e. Bergdorf Goodman or Mitchell Gold+ Bob Williams furniture) for free.  They are embossed with the store's name and sometimes an uplifting message (indulge. imbibe. interact. xoxo, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams).  Thus, adding a layer of class to your bathroom that you may not have considered.

Hypothetically, of course, while you are washing and drying your hands in these luxury bathrooms, complete with aromatherapy sprays, candles and organic rocks strewn about, you could toss a few in your bag – (approximately ZERO cents per towel). 

Now … is that stealing –or- are you simply participating in an exchange?  I ‘take’ a few towels for my bathroom and when guests are visiting, the store receives free advertising.

Is it immoral to ‘take,’ ‘borrow,’ or ‘participate’ in an anonymous advertising exchange?

I was taught, by my father, who would not get on a grocery line designated for ‘ten items or less’ if he had 11 items in his cart that ‘taking’ in any form is wrong.

To that end, I’ve decided to write to Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and offer my advertising program in exchange for a case of their hand towels.

___________________________________________________________________________

Janice Taylor is the author of Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal (Viking Studio/Penguin) and the creator of the Kick in the Tush Club.  "Kooky Genius ... " O ~ The Oprah Magazine

visit www.ourladyofweightloss.com

Comments

[Open Grove Claudia]

I think it's a good question. I like the idea of having paper towels in the bath - especially luxurious paper towels - but it's so wasteful. I mean, a tree gave it's life so that you can wipe your hands...

For me, dearest Janice? I would think of it as stealing. Sorry, I'm a real priss about stuff like that.

[acai weight loss]

Very enjoyable post. Will be checking back for updates.