Unstimulated

Never having experienced what can be done with nearly $800 billion, I leave it to others to explore the meaning of this package.  But I am very experienced at buying stuff.  I’ve been doing it a long time, and I’ve got a very good grasp on how it works.  Based upon this, I feel confident in this assertion:  If you want my business, do not try to make up for the crappy economy with me.

In the past few months, I’ve tried to do my part to stimulate economic growth.  Or at least take some excess off the hands of people before the CPSIA turns them into potential child killers.  What have I gotten for my efforts?  A slap in the face.  Earlier, I described the pleasure of trying to buy a Toyota Prius, which did not go swimmingly well despite the fact that Toyota suffered its first quarterly loss ever.  I still get emails from Toyota dealers almost every day, begging me to buy a car.  Guess what, Toyota dealers.  My old one will run just fine for another year, and we’ll see whether you’re still in business when next I feel like buying.  What’s that?  Your kids are hungry?  Bummer.

But it’s not just the car dealers.  It seems as if it’s everybody left in business.  Granted, I hear about all sorts of deals at the malls.  But then, I haven’t been to a mall in years, so I really can’t say.  I leave the malls to experts, like Brian Tannebaum, who are much more attuned to life at the shopping mall. 

Rather, I have gone to purchase the sorts of goods that I prefer, or the services I require, only to be told that the price has gone up, up, up, and I should consider myself fortunate that they are willing to take my money at all.  This comes as a surprise, as I know that they aren’t doing banner business.  I surmise that they are putting on a bold front to convince people like me (usually referred to in the trade as “marks”) of something that is obviously false.  But I don’t really mind the bravado.  I do, however, mind that they raise their prices to compensate for their lack of business and revenue.

When your business is in the toilet, it might not be the best time to raise your prices to make up the difference.  The chances are quite good that I will not be overcome with the need to buy your goods or services because you have psychologically drawn me in like a moth to a flame.  Instead, you have left me with the sense that you are lying scum trying to survive off of fools, and that you think I’m a fool.  Whether I am or not, I don’t want you to think so.

So a word of advice from a person who has bought stuff for many years.  Do not try to make up for your lousy business on my back.  Be fair with me and I’ll be fair with you, but toy with me and I’ll walk on you in a heartbeat.  Yes, I may want or need whatever it is you’re selling, but I can also get it elsewhere and you can bet there will be someone who wants my business and will show me a little appreciation for spending money rather than not.  And I’m a pretty patient fellow.  I’ll buy it eventually.  Probably soon after I buy a new car.  From the last surviving Toyota dealer on Long Island, if there’s any truth to karma.

And when the economy improves, and if you’ve managed to survive, I will remember who you are.

3 thoughts on “Unstimulated

  1. Shawn McManus

    The firearms industry is having tremendous sales. Many manufactures cannot keep up with demand regardless of price. They appear to be the only industry were the prices are actually reflective of the demand.

    That’s very unfortunate for consumers in Texas.

    It’s a sad case for me

  2. Jdog

    I would hope not; few Toyota dealers have anything resembling a decent selection of snubby revolvers. Hard put to find one with even a few Type 14 Nambu pistols, hard as that is to believe.

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