The Ethics Coach on Cash Deals, Transparency and More Our ethics coach takes your questions about under-the-table payments, planned obsolescence and price transparency.

Q: A potential vendor says they'll give us a lower price if we pay cash--but they ask that we don't report the payment on a 1099. They are considerably cheaper than their competition, but this lack of accountability feels risky and unethical. What do you recommend?

A: Can we get away with it? is not a good starting point for a business deal. There's a range of potential consequences to consider when you don't operate with integrity, from legal issues to the impact on employees and customers.