He was planted at Costco the top of the aisle with a cardboard display. Free Jacuzzi estimates right in your home!
Bob smiled at every passerby. “Free Jacuzzi estimate?” he offered, along with a pamphlet. I watched. Every person declined. One after another. Some said no thanks. Some said nothing. But no takers. Still, he continued. Undeterred. The smile and the offer. He was basically being paid to be rejected all day.
I felt bad for him. He seemed to be batting zero, so I decided to help.
He saw me coming. “Free Jacuzzi estimate?” Sure, I said, and I took a pamphlet. His countenance brightened. “Great! Are you looking to do some home improvement soon?” No, I answered, I’m just gonna have a look.
His face dropped. My attempt to help just turned into another rejection. I thought, “He should have left well enough alone.”
Again, I felt bad for him. But as I turned to leave, Bob turned, and smiled at his next potential customer.
“Free Jacuzzi estimate?”
Dang. And here I thought I was special.