On my way out, I had in mind that I needed a really nice travel bag. I didn’t have one I cared to travel with, and the bag I had was old and worn, it was really more of a work bag than a travel bag. So I thought if I found anything nice at duty free and at a good price, I might splurge. Mind you, this particular airport is renown. As my sister had said, “Hide your cards!” This was an airport where you could ‘burn money’.

Anyway, I was pretty good. I found a bag I liked at an ok price and I thought good money for good value, I could keep the bag for the next 10 years, easy. It was worth it so I bought it. But my overzealous bank blocked the sale twice and I had to call them before they let it through the third time - something about the cost of the transaction and because it was international. Thank you but would be nice if you applied the same consideration when you are charging me those international fees and exchange rates.

I had my bag! On the immigration card, when they ask you to declare bought goods, I declined although I was a bit worried as the bag was still in its own bag and the original shopping bag and I was carrying it like that. Never mind, we’ll deal with it when we get to it. It was a breeze, no questions asked, no answers given. I was good.

Got back to work the next day and decided to check out the website of my bag’s maker; Noticed that they had a sale going on. Makes sense; Thanksgiving had just passed, Black Friday and all, and we were counting down to Christmas and New Year. Saw my bag; Nice. Still happy with my sale ... ah ah ah, no o, how much? 40% off? No way! Yes way! I had bought it full price. Plus exchange rate fees. Fine it was duty free so no taxes but still!

Ring! Ring!

“Hello, this is .... Can I help you?”

“I hope so. I just got back from ... and on my way through ... airport, I bought your bag at full price. I come home to find its 40% off. What can you do for me?”

“Please hold while I put you through to the National Retail Coordinator.”

 

“Hello, this is ....”

“Hi, are you the National Retail Coordinator?”

“Yes I am. How can I help you?”

“I believe you can. I just got back from ... and on my way through ... airport, I bought your bag at full price. I come home to find its 40% off. What can you do for me?”

“Well ... I think you should take it to the nearest store and speak to the store manager. Where are you located? ... Well there is a store at ... Speak to the store manager and see what he can do for you. Please take the bag and the receipt.”

“Is he going to be able to do anything?”

“Speak to him and see. In the meantime, let me take your details.”

“My name is ... and my cell phone is ..... What’s your direct line?”

“###-####”.

“Thank you.”

 

So the next day, armed with the bag in its original bag and duty free shopping bag, my receipt, my passport, my ticket, and my boarding passes, around lunch time, I skip out of work and head over to the store. I was a woman on a mission. Whatever happened, I wanted to pay the current sale price for my bag; No more.

I get there and at the door, the greeter welcomes me.

“Hello, can I speak to your store manager?”

“Sure, if you speak to that gentleman over there, he will direct you to the store manager.”

“Thank you.”

 

“Hello, can I speak to your store manager?”

 “Please give me a second while I get him.”

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