I thought to myself as I read the sign: “Why would anyone
take this deal!? Sure, it is only 2¢ but still…”
I was standing at the cooler case in the gas station where I
had just filled my car this weekend. It was HOT (about 105°)
and I was about to run my car through the wash. I wanted a cold drink to take
the edge off the heat as I waited for the wash. That was when I saw the signs.
The sodas were priced at 99¢ each, or two for $2.00. I
looked askance at the sign and tried to figure out why anyone would take this
deal. You’re better off buying two single sodas for $1.98 than getting two for
$2.00.
I grabbed the one that I wanted and walked-up to the
register where the young lady behind the counter scanned the soda and announced
that it would be $1.78.
“Excuse me?” I asked. I knew there would be tax, but not 79%
“Those are marked at 99¢.” I said motioning toward the sign.
“No. The register says they are $1.78.” she replied pointing
at the read-out.
I turned and looked over at the sign, I looked at her, it
was clear that she could see the sign from where she was standing. “I’m sorry,”
I started, “but if they are $1.78 on the register, why are they marked 99¢ in the
case? You can see that sign, can’t you?”
It was at this point that I heard one of the most ill-conceived
marketing ploys ever: “I don’t need to look at the sign,” she petulantly
replied to me “I know what the price
is. $1.78!”
You can’t argue with logic like that. So I didn’t. I walked out
leaving the $1.78/99¢ soda on the counter and her gaping at me as
I went.
Wherever you are today I home that you have a cool day!
1 comment:
and the word I would use here is Chutzpah.
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