I was in New York the past two days, speaking at an AIGA NY event about scaling from $200K to $1M and meeting some Make More Money students in person for the first time.
While walking through a touristy stretch, I texted my daughters to see if they wanted souvenirs. My 11-year old asked for a classic “I ❤️ NY” hoodie. My 14-year old said, “I want anything like fire js feel the vibe.” (The pressure!)
In two and a half minutes of shopping, I got a master class in sales.
The moment I touched a hoodie, the shop owner was beside me.
“What size?”
“Small,” I said.
Before I knew it, the hoodie was in his hands and then quickly in a basket. The sign above read “$50.”
“We have everything,” he said. “What t-shirt would you like?”
“No worries. I’m looking for something else.”
“Take your time,” he said as he scurried off.
I spotted pajama pants: 2 for $15.
“If you like those, I’ll bring the hoodie down to $45,” he reappeared.
Done. Hoodie + pants = $60.
As we walked to the register, he pitched everything we passed: mugs, lighters, t-shirts.
“You don’t know anyone who needs a t-shirt?”
“Nobody I’d buy one for,” I winked.
“No problem. Look around. We have everything,” he encouraged.
At the register, I tried: “$50 for these?”
“No, $55.”
“Ok, fair.”
I tapped my Apple Watch.
“Cash?” he asked.
“I only have $20 cash.”
“Ok, that’s fine.”
I handed him the bill. He punched it in; my balance showed $30 instead of $35.
“I gave you a discount,” he said.
I paid the balance via Apple Pay. He handed me my bag.
“My friend, are you happy?” he asked.
“I am,” I said. “Are you?”
“I am,” he said.
We shook hands, and I left.
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