Go to any coffee shop or anyplace in person. Make a simple purchase and ask for 10 percent off. Don't say anything else. The whole point is for you to feel uncomfortable. Commit to doing this today.
As I walked to the coffee shop, I knew I didn't want to spend 30 minutes picking out a muffin.
Get something, then just go for it.
I picked out a little hot dog that didn't require toasting, and got on line.
The customer two spots ahead asked for the bathroom code.
While I was waiting, I saw not one, but two tip jars at the counter.
The staff had no problem asking me for a little extra, so there was no problem with me asking them for a little extra.
I got to the counter.
"Good morning!"
"Do you want anything else?"
"Can I get 10% off?"
"Yes."
"OK!"
I think she either didn't hear my request, or it fried her brain circuits. She didn't change the price on the register. It still showed $3.89.
"10% off?"
It dawned on her that I was asking for a discount.
"No..."
"Can I get 10 percent off because I need 10 percent off?"
"No I can't do that."
I smiled and paid with my $5 bill.
"Can I get it to go?"
That she could do.
I put the change in the tip jar and left with a $5 lesson in asking...and the story for this post.
