I think it was my grandmother who, told me once when I was a young lad; "You get what you pay for.", I agree wholly. I'm honestly surprised that it isn't more prevalent.
Unfortunately, this tarnishes the entire company, as it is only other employees that understand the delineation, between this employee vs others, and this is hardly the time for us to take an extra minute or two to correct the information when a customer who hears of this asks. Sort of the gift that keeps on giving, perfect for the season!