[Luckyus]

Empty Weekend​

A man owns a general store selling everything from tintacks to Tampax. He has stood his son a private education, but wants to teach him the principles of trade in case he should take over the business. So during school holidays he has the son in the shop from time to time.

He explains that there is a right and a wrong way to approach a customer who is looking round. You don't say, "Can I help you?" because it gives them the chance to simply say, "No."

If they are looking at a particular item you can ask, "Is this the same as you have at home?" Then the discussion can continue whatever the answer and may lead to a sale. He says to the lad, "Watch what I do."

A man comes in and asks for a large packet of grass seed. The shopkeeper puts the packet on the counter and says, "What kind of lawn mower have you, sir?" The man replies, "None. I won't be needing it until the grass grows."

The shopkeeper explains that he has one mower in stock which is the end of a line. He can offer it at a reduced price and in his opinion it is of better quality than the new model that will replace it. He sells the man a lawn mower.

He says to his son, "See what you can do with the next customer."

A young fellow comes up to the counter, goes a bit red and asks for a packet of sanitary towels.

The son says, "Packet of sanitary towels, sir, and what kind of lawn mower have you?"

The young chap says, "What do I want with a lawn mower?"

"Well you won't be doing much this weekend. You may as well cut the grass."