Rav Moshe Feinstein ZT”L lived on the Lower East Side of New York. He would often shop at a local grocery store owned by a Jewish immigrant. The store owner, recognizing Reb Moshe’s remarkable stature, would regularly attempt to give him discounts or refuse payment altogether for his purchases, insisting it was an honor to serve such a distinguished scholar.
Reb Moshe refused these gestures and always insisted on paying the full price. When the store owner would persist, Reb Moshe would explain, “If I accept your generosity, I create a potential problem. When other customers see me paying less, they might think your regular prices are unfair and you may be pressured into lowering your prices which will make it harder for you to make a living and support your family.”
The store owner argued that he genuinely wanted to honor Reb Moshe and needed a way to do so. Reb Moshe replied, "You honor me most by allowing me to pay fairly. This way, I can shop here with a clear conscience and you can treat all of your customers equally."
