Sometimes, things just fall in your lap. I’d been trying to decide what to write about for this blog, you know, something interesting and topical to really get folks hooked and coming back. Nothing was really striking me as The One, until I got a phone call…
Let me set the scene: I was enjoying a semi-quiet spring morning working in my home office. No kids around now, as they’re in school, but the two very loud English Bulldogs were adding some background noise with their snoring. Suddenly my phone rings, and yes, I answer it! I know, it’s such a crazy concept, especially since I didn’t recognize the caller from Portland, OR.
After a couple of attempts to answer (the caller hung up on me twice), I started to speak with the gentleman. He stated that he had found our company via a Google search and saw that we sell exploding dye packs. We do sell these, along with a lot of other products. So, I immediately started thinking about what this guy may need; he must be calling from a bank or some financial institution. Then he said something curious. “Do you sell exploding dye packs for clothes?” Hmmm, strange question.
Me: Sir, are you part of a bank, or do you work for a retailer?
Guy: Uhhhh, I was curious if you know of tags on clothes that have exploding ink. I saw a dude with ink on his hands and face and I’ve never seen that before, you know, with clothing.
Me: Well, sir, there are all kinds of different technologies out there, what exactly are you looking for?
Guy: I shoplifted one time in the fitting room and saw the ink tag bust and it didn’t explode, so I’m wondering if you sell the exploding kind. Could you sell me one?
Me: One tag?
Guy: Yeah, so I can see it and see how it works.
Me: Sir, are you a retailer?
Guy: No, I just wanted to buy a couple of these tags.
Me: Sir, I only sell to retailers and it would be a much larger number than one tag.
Guy: So, if I find someone with a business license and call you back, will you sell to me?
(people laughing in the background)
Me: Good luck with that, sir. Have a good day.
Guy: OK, I’ll call you back.
True story.
I wanted to share this with the loss prevention community as it’s a demonstration of the absolute lengths people will go to, but I also thought it might make you smile. I’d love to hear your crazy stories. If you have a good one, email me at stefanie.hoover [at] controltekusa.com. Who knows, you might give me ideas for my next blog.