Picture it. I’m busy banging away at my computer catching up on all of the writing that needs to be done after a one week vacation and suddenly, the mouse stops working.

I move my hand and nothing. Panic ensues. Yes, I know that sounds a bit extreme but you non-techies get it right. Sheer panic when what you want and need to work isn’t friggin’ working!

I soldier on using the touch pad on the laptop and realize that I am moving at a snail’s pace compared to my (amazing!) computer dexterity using a mouse.

So, I waste no time and head to the nearest place to purchase a mouse which just happens to be my local Radio Shack.

I lunge at a young sales guy and he happily informs me that the mouse I want is on sale and after picking the desired color (!) we head to the register.  It’s right then that I take out the “dead” mouse and show him the malfunctioning item.

He looks at it for about 10 seconds and says, “have you changed the battery” and I shyly reveal that I wasn’t even aware that there is a battery that could be changed.

(I know that at this point you’re wondering how I could possibly be so dumb but trust me I’m just one of the few non-techies that have the b—ls to admit their tech blunders.)

Anyway, he brings out a package of batteries, opens the mouse, removes the, yes, dead battery and inserts one of the new ones. Voila and like magic the little light starts to shine again and problem solved.

The almost purchased new mouse was put back on the shelf and one very relieved and satisfied non techy went back to work.

As for the sales guy that took a few extra minutes to point out the problem, open the mouse, replace the battery and basically provide the best solution for his customer, well, he received my heartfelt thanks and a note to his manager.

Hopefully, he gets commended and not reprimanded for not making the sale.

And that’s the point, right. Making the sale is not always the best solution. Sometimes you just have to walk away because what you know the customer needs is not what they think they need. Sometimes the solution is much much less than they thought.

The stereotypical used car / hard sell salesperson is just the opposite. Need a 4-door and the only car available is a 2-door. No problem. Joe/Josephine sales rep is certain to try and convince you that the 2-door is better suited for your needs. Need more examples? Nah. You know what I mean.

Radio Shack is a large chain and I was never real thrilled with their brand. Little do they know that one young sales rep changed my impression and turned me from a random buyer into a more loyal customer.

Good job.