I Would Be Happy To Help You…For An Extra $30!!

I recently referred a very high profile client to a small local merchant, who shall remain nameless.  Much to my chagrin, the client was told the $30 order could be filled, for an extra $30 delivery fee!  Let me repeat…the $30 order could be filled, for an EXTRA $30 DELIVERY FEE!

Now, perhaps you are thinking…well, was it a long-distance delivery?  According to www.mapquest.com, following are the statistics:

Total Estimated Time: 10 minutes
Total Estimated Distance: 6.88 miles

Let me repeat…total estimated time, 10 MINUTES…total estimated distance, 6.88 MILES!

Am I missing something here?  Apparently, the merchant was.  Word to the wise…if you don’t want the gig, politely decline; don’t price gouge your customers.

How does this affect the client?  It probably won’t.  How does this affect me?  I am fairly sure I will never do business with that merchant again, and I am positive I will tell others about the story.  However, I will gladly tell everyone about what a great experience the client had with a second merchant, Mary’s Flower Garden.  The order was cheerfully filled for a total of $16.  The ironic part is the first merchant referred the client to the second merchant; clearly, the first merchant didn’t want the business.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again; do not underestimate the potential of word-of-mouth and viral marketing, good, bad and indifferent.