WashijaThe Woman
Sarah was busy scanning items of a buyer when a well-dressed woman, in her late thirties, approached the counter. She had nothing but a single piece of a Christmas decoration in her hand. Sarah greeted her to which she replied in a rather patronizing manner. Sarah’s smile didn’t falter, over the years she had learned the art of enduring such people.
Demanding Discount
“How may I help you?”, Sarah asked. The woman put the little star decoration piece on the counter and asked if she could get a discount on this product since its the holiday season. Sarah took a look at the item and realized it was an already discounted item, which was on sale for 50 cents (originally sold at $1).
No Further Discount
Sarah politely informed the customer that this product is already being sold at a 50% discount. The woman replies in an annoyed tone that she is aware of the prize of the product, which is why she is asking if she can get it for a discount, at 25 cents. Sarah had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. She graciously declined. And that is when things took a nasty turn.
Irate Customer
The woman raised her voice and started arguing with Sarah about the discount. She kept insisting that the decoration was already so cheap so why can’t there be a discount on it? Sarah’s response was along the same lines, that if the product is already cheap why ask for a discount in the first place? The woman was being ridiculous, she is not even going to use these until next Christmas.
Frustration
The woman was extremely angry now, yelling rude things to Sarah for not discounting the price. Clearly, she was not used to hearing no from anybody. Sarah had to grit her teeth to maintain a smile. She pointed out that 50 cents are already very less of an amount which is why she can’t discount it further. But the woman was in no mood to listen.
Try Again
When she realized that Sarah won’t change her mind, the stubborn woman informed Sarah that her friend, who works in another store told her that all the ornaments will be at a 90% discount tomorrow. So she will come back tomorrow and buy them. Sarah pointed out that the decorations might be sold out by then.