Over the last few days, I have been talking about Money - the energy to make it, the emotions to spend it, and negotiating for things we want/need. I have gotten some pretty good examples from some of you about your own experiences.
Let me share one of mine...buying my wife a ring.
I wasn't really shopping for a ring (sorry Natalie!). Not an anniversary or other major event. I was walking through a high-end mall and noticed a prominent jewelry store was closing. I had always walked by and never went in They usually had a security guard out front - that really discourages window shopping...Hoity Toity for sure!
No security guard this time...I walked in.
A sales person walked up with the classic, "May I help you?"
Of course, I said "No" and thought to myself, "No wonder the store is closing with sales openings like that".
I found a beautiful ring that reminded me of a picture Natalie had cut out of a magazine years ago. Even with the stores closing price, it was expensive. In the vacuum of my pragmatic male mind, I did not see the value in spending this much on a ring.
Hey, there was no pressure...we were already married and there was no anniversary...this would be a "just because" impulse purchase. So I did what any man would do standing at the jewelry counter that has the ability to walk away...I began to negotiate.
The sales person didn't budge - polite, but firm. I showed her who was in control, I started walking out without buying. She made one more desperate move right on cue -
"I can call you if/when the price goes down."
I felt like I had won a victory...I gave her my number - no harm.
A new sales person called me a few days later (the "A" team?) and said that the ring was now on hold for another potential customer till the end of the day.
"Did they lower the price?" I asked.
"Not yet, but as you know the store is closing and this is the last one. I don't want you to miss out if the other couple decides not to buy. Why don't you bring your wife in and let her see it to be sure she likes it?"
It was Friday and we were going out to dinner (date night) and I made a "surprise" stop at the jewelry store with Natalie. The new sales person (definitely "A" team) slipped the ring on her finger.
Ooohhhsss.....Aaaaahhhs from the sales person and Natalie....my power is slipping away fast!
The gemologist came out "from the back" and escorted us to his area to see the gem under a big microscope - not the little loupe that they use out front. He discreetly showed me the original catalog that had the ring and it's pricing. He pulled me aside for decorum and said,
"It is 50% off of what we asked this time last year, representing a once in a lifetime opportunity. Here is the certificate that I will present to you for value purposes and insurance".
The benefits had just been raised substantially (strike one!)
"What do you think of the ring on your finger?" asked the sales person.
"I love it!" (strike two!).
"I understand from Brandon that you have been married 24 years. Sadly, in this day and age that is rare. This kind of ring makes a statement - one that signifies that same high level of devotion and lifelong commitment - it is also rare and unique - one of a kind."
Yikes...she was definitely "A" team...why is this store closing?
My wife didn't say a word...neither did I. I know the next one who speaks - losses...right?
She just kept looking at the ring...smiling ear to ear.
The "A" team must have smelled blood in the water...she moved in for the kill...
"Brandon, you mentioned you would use your American Express to get the points - smart move. Let me get the gemologist to size the ring while I process everything for you while you two go enjoy dinner".
(Strike three!)
So much for negotiating...you might as well...
Put a ring on it!
Until tomorrow, I wish you Money, Power, Success!
Next Time:
|
No comments:
Post a Comment