Real World Negotiation
Prehistory: To be mobile in Nashville I decided to buy a bicycle. My 1st choice was to rent one from universityrecycle.com. Because I wanted a bicycle to ride from A to B as well as a training-bicycle, my choice fell on a road bike for 290 USD to rent for one year.1 (Appendix, Exhibit I.) But after 4 mails within 10 days without any response I gave up. My 2nd try was a bicycle from Amazon.com. 250 USD and when I leave the States I still had the option to sell it. (Exhibit II) It had excellent customer reviews so I thought I will make a bargain. Unfortunately the bike was delivered in outrageous conditions (Exhibit III.) I sent it back. My 3rd try was greenfleetbikes.com, a local bicycle shop 10 minutes walk away from Owen. I informed myself on the website what they offer. I discovered two bikes that were interesting for my purpose (Exhibit IV. & V.) My prospective list in order of priority: 1. A bicycle as soon as possible 2. A road bike for training (if possible) 3. I was willing to pay around 300 USD Time was more important than money for me; or with other words I would pay more if I can get a bicycle immediately. The negotiation: I entered the shop on Saturday at noon, I was the only customer and had full attention of three young guys (apparently) desperately waiting for clients.
1 In the meantime apparently they changed their policy. Now it is possible to rent only for the spring semester. When I was looking for a bicycle I haven't had this option.
When I entered and looked in their eyes I had the feeling I should say something unconventional. I opened the conversation with a 'joke': “I take the chilli burger with fries and a coke to go.” Silence! Their eyebrows raised and their eyes widened. I like the idea of confusing people if I already know the next step. On a neurobiological level people can't think properly when they have to deal with one of the three issues: food (especially starving), sex and danger. And related to danger...
