RE-Cycle: Two Times Ten Minutes

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Two Times Ten Minutes

Golly Bob Howdy!
Nope. Not going to mention the cold rainy weather.
Nope. Not gonna mention the lack of sleep.
Nope. Not gonna mention my addiction to the game "Hitman" as it caused my lack of sleep.
No, just going to go on to yesterday! WOW!! Thank you ALL so very, very much for coming in and visiting us yesterday! All the repairs really kept us jumping! Managed to get them all banged out though and a very special gracias to those who came right back in and picked them up so as to allow us room to continue moving! You would be surprised just how quickly this space can fill up!
I will take a moment and refer to an old cliché' that still holds true to this day "you can get more flies with honey, then with vinegar" This holds true to attitudes when negotiating price. See, around here our motto for pricing is "The only thing written in stone was the ten commandments", but the way to approach a good negotiation is NOT insulting either the product or the price. No, that will result in us becoming reticent and perhaps even raise the price. But, as always, our methods are vindicated each and every time this happens. Had a couple folks come in yesterday and after inspecting the wears, balked at the prices, stating "We can get the same bike at Walmart for less!"
Hmmm?
Not one to be caught unaware, and after seven or so years, we figured out it best to check with Walmart to see how much any bike they offer sells for. It's called "The Internet". They have a web page or two on there, and it's pretty easy to check pricing. There remark was in regards to a Mongoose that we have for $85.00 that Wally World sells for $189.00. Now, I might not be a math genius but I'm pretty sure $85.00 is less then $189.00. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong. See, I remember the old alligator trick they taught me in first grade, you know "< >" and all that.
Anyway. After lambasting our price, the gentleman offered me $50.00 with an air of confidence that I would realize just what a wonderful endowment he was offering to bestow upon us. I politely declined. As it happens, another customer was present in the shop looking at rides while this was transpiring, and when the couple left, he went to check out the bike we had been discussing. Once he recognized how good the deal was, he snagged it up. No haggling. As it turns out, the original couple had gone outside, apparently to discuss the bikes merits and were not paying attention when the second gentleman walked out, loaded the bike in his truck and drove off. A few minuets later, they came back in and with a flair of benevolent generosity stated "OK, we'll give you $65.00". Now, mind you, I took no smug, self satisfying glee over the fact that I had to kindly decline his generous offer and inform him that the bike had already sold (*snicker*....OK, maybe a little glee). It was cute, though, the way his eyes became incredulously wide, and he did a mildly cartoonish double take.
But that was not the end of that days fun. Had a gent come in, look at the Giant Cypress (the really perfect one) and was very interested, but wanted to "visit a couple more places". He left, and I started the clock! Within seconds another two gents came in, looked about, settled on the Giant, asked the questions, then as I was anticipating the close, inquired if we did layaway. DOH! Epic Fail!! No, in fact we only offer a 72 hour hold with 50% down. He sniffed at that, and stated he'd be in at the end of the week to pick it up, as he was sure it would still be here. Now I KNEW it would sell! SO, with one eye on the door, and one on the clock I went back to work, assured the next person who walked through the door would be buying the Giant. Yep. Five minutes later... A very nice couple who's male partner had been in earlier came in and grabbed it.
Sorry, do I sound a tad bit smug? My apologies.
Managed to put out a couple gems yesterday! A really sweet Raleigh road bike someone had left alone in the corner of their garage for FAR to long! Needed a FULL tear down and serious clean (with some appropriate parts to replace those rusted a little to much!) but now we have one heck of a fine looking ride! Also, while waiting for Elijah to get back with the needed materials to finish up the slew of repairs we banged out a rugged little BMX mutt! The remainder of the day, however was consumed with finishing up the repairs.
Today, will be more of the same!
Now, on to the home front. For all those interested readers, yes, the sale of our house finally went through the middle of this month and Sunday we finally got to meet our new landlords. Now, I am a firm believer in the blessings of Karma. Do good, get good. This whole ordeal we had to suffer through came with a wonderful closer. We got ourselves FANTASTIC new landlords! Not only are they good people, both wonderful with children, but they actually do what they say, and then some! All the little problems we have had with the house were addressed, and taken care of! Our kitchen sink actually drains, AND they put in a garbage disposal! They replaced the old breaker box and fixed all the electrical issues! Now our lights don't dim and flicker and we are no longer electrocuted when removing clothes from the washing machine! We have a light in the laundry room, and all the pocket doors in the house actually close! They also addressed issues we weren't even aware of! Apparently the roof on the back end of the house had a leak, So they replaced the whole section of the roof!! And to top it off, instead of just Jerry rigging the kitchen cabinetry, they are going to replace all of it!!! What ever we did to deserve these wonderful folks, I hope we remember to keep it up!
So with (all) that, I'd best be getting back at it!
See ya soon!