What $2 can buy?
If you say ‘not much’…first of all, congratulation on your fortune. According to world bank’s 2020 data, 10% of world population, over 700 million people live under that a day.
Let me share with you what $2 has brought me…
I was looking for a missing screw of a dishwasher. I don’t know the size, neither have a sample. I took a picture of the hole and showed a staff at local hardware store. He looked at me and the photo then said ‘how could I tell the size from a picture’, he is right. I tried to soften the situation asking perhaps he could show me where the knob is then I could check different screws and find a pair. He was reluctant and kept saying they have tons of different sizes and styles which is again true. There are 2 walls of screws, knobs, washers, etc.
I found Eli*, another staff who tried to look up the dishwasher model with me online. We found the model but instruction didn’t indicate the screws. I told her I couldn’t get the other screw off as example so I still don’t know the size, neither can replace the bracket with the steel hanger strap she pointed to me me earlier. I showed her the picture, same as I did with the other guy. Well, eli couldn’t tell the size from the picture, either yet walked me to the screw wall. She asked me what I think the size is. I made it up…3/8″, she showed me on a ruler, it’s clearly off. I saw a pen nearby and said the hole should be smaller than that. This is more helpful, she found a few screws to show me and I settled down to one, she picked 2 in different length. I asked if I shall get 2 knobs to secure it better. She suggested a lock washer and explained how the split works (genius for the little gap to create tension when pushed). Total 4 pieces $2, I thank her….as I reached the cashier, i realized that I didn’t have money or card with me, I was rushed to the store before its closing, well, I made it but I still need to come back tomorrow.
What I’ve learned from $2…several things
1. No rush, it’s not save time.
2. Spending 20-30min to help a customer for a $2 sales probably doesn’t make economic sense yet the care could win the customer for life and many more. I’d tell many this story. When I went back the next day to pay and get the pieces, I asked the customer service staff for the store manager and shared about Eli and story. She was very happy and said she would tell eli and the store manager. I think good attitude and behavior should be recognized.
3. I learned a few more parts and how they work, e.g. split washer, angle bracket, steel hanger strap.
Repairing could be tedious yet it’s also incredible learning experience each time, especially with helpful people. Even if not, we can learn from good and bad examples – follow the good and remind ourselves (not to) the opposite.
* name change to protect person’s privacy