Mastering Bargaining in Canada: A Pre-Groupon Strategy
Back in the day, getting your hands on a camcorder during an overseas trip was like striking gold. These were quite pricey in India, if available at all, and owning one was a sign you were living the high life. So, naturally, I set my sights on snagging one for myself. I had managed to save 900 dollars out of my 1100-dollar allowance and with that kind of cash, I was sure I could find a decent camcorder that wouldn’t break the bank.
I got myself a Sony camcorder from a local RadioShack for 800 dollars and went on a recording spree: people, buildings, streets, you name it. I even caught a young couple making out across from my apartment with their windows wide open.
The next day at lunch, I eagerly shared my footage with Ryan. His reaction was priceless.
“You sneaky son of a gun! You captured them on camera?” he exclaimed, nearly spitting out his sandwich.
“Hey, they left their windows wide open! Not my fault,” I defended myself.
“But I think I got ripped off on this camcorder deal,” I continued.
“What now? You wanted a bigger zoom to get a close-up of the couple?” he teased.
“Very funny, Ryan. But seriously, I think I could get both a camcorder and a digital camera from London Drugs for the same price.” I explained.
“So, what’s the problem? Return this one and buy the others from London Drugs,” Ryan proposed casually.
“Return? You mean they’d actually take it back?” I asked, genuinely surprised.
“Sure, why not? Most stores have a 30-day return policy,” Ryan explained.
His words felt like music to my ears. I was used to signs in India that read “Bika hua maal vapas nahi hoga” (Sold items won’t be returned), so the concept of returning something after purchase was a whole new world for me. At that time, Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, and other online portals that popularized the return policy in India were still far from the scene.
Discovering Return Policies: A Surprising Experience
So, I went back to RadioShack to try my luck.
“Hello, I’m sorry, but I’d like to return the camcorder,” I said, handing it over.
“Okay. Anything wrong with it?” the clerk asked.
“No, I just ran out of my budget,” I confessed.
“Alright. Would you like to take a look at anything else that fits your budget?” he offered.
To honor his suggestion, I took a quick lap around the store and then returned to the counter.
“I don’t see anything else I need. I guess I’ll just return this one,” I said.
“Sure, no problem,” he replied, handing me the cash without hesitation.
I walked out of the store in a state of shock and happiness. “That’s all it takes to return such an expensive item? No arguments, no hassles, no mess! That’s unheard of in India,” I thought, heading straight to London Drugs.
Mastering the Art of Bargaining
I browsed through the electronics section and settled on two options: an Olympus 3.2 MP camera and a tape-based Sony Handycam. The total cost was 900 CAD, but after buying gifts for my family, I only had around 800 CAD left from the RadioShack return. To make it work, I decided to test my bargaining skills with the associate. His name was Jeremy.
“Hey buddy, look, I’m buying two items here. Give me a deal, please,” I asked Jeremy.
“Sorry, sir, those items are already discounted. I can’t do any better,” Jeremy replied, firm but polite.
“Jeremy, you’re a drug store, and I’m sure you don’t sell many electronics items every day. Here I am, buying two expensive items. Come on, I returned a camcorder to RadioShack just to buy these. You’ve got to give me a deal,” I cajoled, trying to play the sympathy card.
“Okay, hold on, sir. Let me speak to my manager and see what I can do,” he said and went inside.
A few minutes later, he reappeared. “Okay, sir. I spoke to my manager, and we can do 850 CAD for both.”
“Oh no, Jeremy, that’s just a 50-dollar discount. That’s not a deal. How about 750?” I negotiated.
“Oh no, sir, that’s impossible! That’s below our purchase price. Can’t do 750,” he replied.
“Look, Jeremy, I came all the way from India. When I go back, I’ll give your card to my colleagues. That will bring you more customers when they visit. And that will be very soon,” I tried to entice him, not realizing I was engaging in a primitive form of collective bargaining, much like Groupon would popularize years later.
Jeremy paused, thought for a few seconds, and went back to the manager. A few minutes later, he returned.
“Okay, sir. 800.”
“But Jeremy…” Before I could say anything, he almost begged me not to bargain further.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I really can’t go one penny down from here.”
The deal was set. I paid him 800 CAD and bought the digital camera and camcorder. I felt like the happiest man on the planet that day.
“Please don’t forget to give my card to your colleagues, sir!” Jeremy said, handing over a bunch of his business cards and bidding me goodbye.
A Cultural Shock on the Train
Armed with my new camera, I decided to take a train ride to explore the city. While on the train, I spotted a young teenage couple making out in an intimate embrace, completely lost in their own world. I was both baffled and thrilled. Baffled because I had never seen anything like it before and thrilled because, deep down, I admired the freedom they had to express themselves so openly.
As I grappled with the cultural shock of witnessing such open affection, I couldn’t help but feel like an alien from a more conservative planet. Surely, in my world, such public displays of intimacy would invite a few disapproving glares and whispers. I glanced around, expecting others to react, but no one seemed to care. Everyone was busy with their own activities.
“Why isn’t anybody saying anything to them?” I wondered.
Then it hit me. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
“Well, I guess I should mind my own business,” I thought and turned my attention back to the passing scenery.
In this new world, personal freedom and privacy were cherished, offering a glimpse into a society where people minded their own business. It left me fascinated by the cultural differences leaving me yearning for more.
