Price Versus Value; Part Two

In Part 1, I asked, "Is it ever appropriate to pay more?" I went on to describe the concerns of a restaurant owner and whether he should charge for water. Later that day, I went shopping for my Father's Day present. Since I spend a large amount of time in my car, I told Lesa I wanted a hand's free speakerphone for my car. She consented and I went shopping. My good friend and associate, Ted, has been using the BlueAnt S4 handsfree speaker phone for about six months and is very satisfied with the product. I appreciate a good referral and testimony so I decided to buy the same one. I checked out the website for retailers that sell that product. I found two popular electronic stores in my area that carry BlueAnt product and paid them a visit. This is what happened. Electronic Store #1: This is the store that Ted bought his speakerphone and I shop there often. I was asked shortly after entering the store if I needed help. I told him what I was looking for and he gave me a perplexed look. He took me to the area where this product was sold and let me know that he had never heard of BlueAnt and this was all he had available and offered no more help. I had more items on my list but the sales person dismissed me and I left the store. Electronic Store #2: Again, I was offered help immediately as I entered the store. He also led me to the handsfree speakerphone section where there were no BlueAnt handsfree speakerphones to be found. I was a little disappointed. He asked me if I could wait a moment and see if he had one in the back. I shopped for the other items on my list while I waited on his return. A few moments later, he returned with the exact unit I was looking for. Only one problem, it was about twenty-percent higher than my friend paid for his. I asked if he could match the price and he went to speak to the manager. When he returned, he told me that he could not discount the product, however, he could give me a twenty-five percent discount off my second item. I had picked up the invisibleSHIELD by ZAGG. This product when attached to the face of your smartphone will protect it and make it scratch proof. Also, if your invisibleSHIELD gets damaged, ZAGG will replace it for life. The initial price of the invisibleSHIELD was forty percent less than the other retailer. He gave me an extra twenty-five percent off plus he took the time to apply the shield to my phone. The other retailer charges eight dollars for this service. He went on to help me download an app to lengthen the life of my phone battery by two to four hours per day preventing me from buying a new battery. He provided all of this help with a great attitude and I never felt like it was an imposition. When you add it all up, did the speakerphone really cost me more? I believe it was worth the extra cost. Are you giving your customers more than they bargained for? Have a great week! Pierce