ben is really proud of himself

Another update - Ben's back is just fine. But it was in bad enough shape that he was waited on hand-and-foot all of Saturday evening (suspicious, no?). In any case, for the record, this is how the 10% discount went down according to Ben:


In the furniture store:

Sales person: "Can I help you sir?"

Ben: "We're interested in the armoire..."

Sales person: "It's a nice piece isn't it - Todd Oldham design"

Ben: "Hmmm...what is it made out of?"

Sales person: "We're not entirely sure - an Asian hardwood of sorts"

Ben: (strategic pause)

Ben: "Well, I really like it but for a few concerns..."

Sales person: "Oh?"

Ben: "Yes, like this scratch"

Sales person: "Let me fix that for you. (whips out marker pen and hastily applies).

Sales person: That's a little better"

Ben: (silent pause, quizzical expression)

Sales person: "One second" (hurriedly returns with polish and rag and proceeds to spray and rub the armoire vigorously.)

Sales person: "Nice shine don't you think?"

Ben: "Yeah not bad......."

Ben: "What about the door, it doesn't close flush..."

Sales person: "It doesn't? I've never noticed that...."

Second sales person: "It may be the floor, it's uneven in this corner" [Sidenote from Anna: She really did say this.]

Ben: (ignores comment...strategic pause)

Ben: "Well, we really like it, but I think we may go across the parking lot and check out Pier One."

Sales person: "I'm sure we could give you a 10% discount sir"

Done and done. Two hours later, I threw the back out. Payback?