Being in sales, one of my jobs is to help the customer. In fact, that's probably my primary job. And I want to help the customer. I especially want to help him when I can make money from that aid.
A man called me yesterday asking for a part I did not have. It was a very specific part too, one that I am truly certain I am the only person in the Detroit area from whom it can be gotten. I just plain didn't have it.
"Well, where else can I get it from, Cosgriff?" he asked.
"Nowhere, sorry. I can order it, take me about two weeks," I responded.
There was a heavy sigh on the other of the phone. "Okay, then, where was that other place you sent me before?"
Now it was my turn to let out a heavy sigh. "There is no other place in the Detroit area."
"But you told me a place before."
"No, I didn't. There is nowhere else in the area."
"It was between 9 and 10 Mile." I don't know if he thought that hint was really helpful. But it wasn't.
"I have no idea what that might be," I assured him, perhaps a bit huffily I'll admit.
He paused before adding, as if repetition makes something true, "Yeah, it was between 9 and 10."
At that point I wanted to blow up at him. I wanted to yell, "Look, bud, you can crisscross 9 and 10 mile roads their entire lengths and will not find that part. There is NO PLACE anywhere between 9 and 10 that will have it. But go ahead, waste your day looking. I've been as much help as I can be." Instead I said through clenched teeth, "Well, if you find it call me and we'll set up a time to install it."
He'll be calling back later to order the stupid thing. In the meanwhile if he elects to fritter away his time chasing windmills, he deserves whatever that entails.
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