[net.misc] Question on honor-system snack sales

anne@digi-g.UUCP (Anne Chenette) (09/28/84)

I've been wondering for a while....

We have a `snack tray system' here at work, where junk food is left in a
cardboard tray, and we pay for it on the honor system.  Every week or so, 
it is refilled (and do we ever get crabby when it isn't refilled soon 
enough!) and a card is left in the box.  The card has pictures of little 
angels on it, along with a message.  For example:
	`You made the news!  You're doing better!'
	`Remember - I'm here because I trust you!'
	`Don't let him (a picture of the devil) get you - 
	 please pay for what you take.'

I once saw an article on these types of companies that claimed that they 
did quite well relying on people's honesty.  Has anyone else seen this 
article?  What is the correlation between their `take' and the messages 
we get?  Also, do they comment on the most recent take or the penultimate 
one?  It seems that the trays come ready packed,  and the money isn't
counted here.  If so, what good is the delayed feedback?

			One who is endlessly fascinated by detail,
				Anne Chenette
				ihnp4!umn-cs!digi-g!anne