Cut-Price Husbands
(We have a policy in which we will beat our competitor’s prices by a dollar if a customer pays on that day. We can make no further discounts or deductions on the reduced price if a customer asks for that service, as if we do, we risk running a debit with the airlines. We publicize this far and wide, so we get customers approach us on a daily basis.)
Customer: “I’ve found this price to the USA, but I want you to price beat it for me.”
(This can involve a few minutes of work, as we have to research the price, and confirm it is still valid. In this case everything is fine, and I can proceed.)
Me: “Okay, well, we will match this price, and better it by $1.”
Customer: “No. No, I want more off. You will give me another 10% off the price, and waive all the fees.”
Me: ”I’m sorry, but that’s just something I can’t do. This is the lowest price you can get. It is already a sale price, and we’ve dropped the price again to beat our competitors. I can’t give you anything further. Dropping the fees will actually anger the airline, as that incorporates their fuel charges. ”
Customer: “No, you will. And I might buy more travel from you in the future.”
Me: “I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t.”
Customer: “Give me a discount!”
(This goes on for more than 10 minutes with the customer insisting that I must give him a 10-20% discount.)
Me: “Sir, honestly, I have given you the best price in the country. I can get my manager to confirm this, if you would like?”
Customer: “No, I can tell your manager will just do what you say. This is because you aren’t married isn’t it?”
Me: “What?!”
Customer: “You’re not wearing any rings. You’re not married, as you obviously don’t know how to treat a man. If you give me this discount, it will prove that you are worthy for a husband!”
(Unbelievably, I kept my cool. He went away after 30 minutes, telling me what a hard and difficult woman I was. He still booked, and even then harassed my colleague for asking about the entry visas!)
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Question of the Week
Tell us your story about a customer who couldn't understand the most simple concept.
