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A Web Log about a quote from A Phantom Tire Buyer with a Secret Identity
Dear Diary,
Just the other day I was on my way to volunteer at the local recycling center. One of Tire Discounters’ competitors has a location along that route, so I usually try to avert my eyes when driving by. It makes my blood boil when I think of all those poor, unsuspecting customers.
But this time, I couldn’t help but glance their way. What I saw stopped me in my tracks. There, in front of their store was this brazen message: “10% off any Tire Discounters quote”.
Well, I couldn’t help myself, I had to investigate. I marched into the store and simmered, while I waited for the “sales manager” to get off his phone and acknowledge my presence.
“What can I do you for? Nice cape, by the way.”
“I saw your sign outside, my good man.”
“Oh that,” he smirked, “pretty clever on us, huh?”
“I don’t know where to begin.”
“Howsabout we jack your car up and we’ll tell ya what ya need?”
“Do you have the slightest inkling what Tire Discounters does for their customers?”
“Slap on tires, just like us.”
“NO! I don’t know where to begin, so let’s cut to the chase, as they say.”
“What?”
“Do you even have an alignment rack?”
“Nope. Too expensive. Plus, you gotta know how to use them. It’s complicated.”
I struggled to maintain my composure. “Are you aware of what can happen when you carelessly put new tires on a misaligned vehicle?”
“Yeah, weird tread wear. You should make sure them wheels are aligned.“
“That’s why Tire Discounters includes a free 4-wheel alignment with standard 4-tire installation!”
“We can’t do that.”
“I KNOW THAT! So how can you offer 10% off when you even come close to providing the same service!”
“Well, rubber’s rubber.”
“Let’s move on. Do you scour the mating surfaces to ensure a perfect seal?”
He gave me a quizzical look and suddenly shouted: “Who’s next!?”