Would discourage me from ever making a purchase. I usually need my paycheck.

I've only worked retail jobs that did the discount at the time of purchase and then you paid.

I would not like it done the other way. :(

not all companies give employees discounts but do have certain ways handling purchases made from employees. Maybe this it their way of doing inventory control on what is purchased by employees. Some stores don't allow employeess to buy while at work. Your friend may not be getting a discount but just the way thier company handles employees purchases.

Wow, having been in the tax world before having my own small business for 28 years and working part time in a fabric store - this causes the hairs on the back on my neck to stand up! The only way to deduct from the paycheck is after all 'regular' deductions are taken and then it would have to be COMPLETELY separate. If not, your end of the year totals would be all messed up and good luck figuring what applies and how much to your taxes. Also, it could mess up what is recorded to Social Security and to Disability. I would think their bookkeeping company would hate this. And, what is the point? Just give the discount at the POS like most companies.

Most of the shops I worked at did the POS system. But there was 1 where we ran a tab & paid it on payday. I think the POS system is easiest for both "worker & boss".

In the tax world, all the IRS cares about is the gross amount of pay and the taxes deducted. They could care less about anything else deducted. Your W-2 doesn't show any deductions but taxes.