Stories from the Sales Frontlines

venture

In addition to houses and cars, I have negotiated for antiques, new furniture, clothes, fresh produce...

Uh oh. I guess Old Farmer didn't see the fresh produce thingy.

(I know I'm late, but couldn't sign in for a day or two.)

stickguy

either you don't buy lotto tickets, or you don't clean your room?

Or in my cash, have lousy luck...

bolivar

Let me tell a USofA Emergency Room story.

A couple of years ago, I was wandering around the ER waiting room. I don't remember why I was there, don't think it was for me or the wife, but I was there.

A sloppy dressed, overweight young guy (maybe 25, maybe less) was wandering around talking on his cell. Had a huge slurpie drink in the other hand. From the talk overheard, I learned 'they' had an 'Indian Card'. Probably a member of some Indian tribe, Oklahoma has many, that provides health care. This was not an Indian ER, but the 'Card' probably allows 'emergency' care anywhere, if needed. (Most of 'Indian' health care is totally or almost totally subsidied by our federal government.)

The reason they were there - the baby was teething and they wanted something for this.

I know almost nothing about babies. But I do know that any drug store sells over the counter medical aid for teething. Usually something that is rubbed on the gums.

For the cost of his slurpie drink, he could have himself bought probably the same thing the ER was going to give them. But they incurred an ER visit cost. I do know how much this is because in the middle of the night last December, at my wife's demands because of my 104degreeF temperature, I visited the ER. The cost just for ER was about $750.

So, my taxes and my insurance covered this family's visit. Huge numbers of people in the USofA do not have insurance and use the ER as a family doctor, rolling thru with every sniffle and sneeze for everyone in the family.

driver100

That's why we pay double.... the people without insurance coverage get their medical care for free...

But, every one here is covered, and yet our medical cost per person is almost half. That's the question. Could it be that since we have a socialized medical system, prices are more regulated? That could be a flaw in a free market system. Maybe a free market system but with regulation on prices is the answer. Just trying to figure out this conundrum.

driver100

$6K around they said make an offer. She said $1K and they said fine.

One fellow at work started me on this topic. He is in his 30s, and he said some friends he was seeing in the U.S. said they do not go to the doctor for annual check ups because they have to pay to find out they are OK.

One friend said his father was 65 and ready to retire when he had a heart attack. The medical costs were $140k and that wiped out his retirement savings. Now, at 65 he has to go back to work, just to keep his head above water.

Our employee showed me the chart...total Health Care per Capita. Generally, being a very conservative person, I would think the free market system works the best. But, less coverage for way more money doesn't make sense.

driver100

Why does this sort of thing never happen to me?

Go to your room and clean out your sock drawer.

driver100

For the cost of his slurpie drink, he could have himself bought probably the same thing the ER was going to give them.

We have those problems too. One guy is in emergency and is bleeding every where from a car accident. But, the little girl with a tummy ache gets seen first because they were there first.

ERs are busiest on Saturday night when people get lonely and just want a nurse or doctor to talk to.

That's why, I think if we do have socialized medicine here, there should be some kind of payment, like 10%. Just so people think twice before running to the hospital or doctor.

I saw an email a while ago, a person making $30k a year in the US might be better off collecting welfare and having free medical. No incentive to work if that is true.

I agree, there should be a way to make sure people don't take advantage of the system.

houdini1

Medical care became big business in the U.S. several years ago and the emphasis was placed on profit, etc. Costs went up, care went down and things have continued on that basis for years now.

IMO, very similar to what has happened to our unions in the U.S. Greedy and out of control. Entitled to be paid for work never done, etc. Also in my opinion the medical profession will also kill the golden goose.

The costs in Canada sound about right, so you can see how far our prices in the U.S. have gotten out of line. I would think the average doc in the U.S. makes twice as much as in Canada.

driver100

I would think the average doc in the U.S. makes twice as much as in Canada.

That is probably true. Many doctors leave Canada for the U.S. because they can earn more. That is a problem. Comparison to unions is probably accurate...out of control, no real limits.

I think I am coming to the realization it is like the banks. A good system, but there has to be regulation or a watchdog to see that they don't find loop holes to find ways to make big profits. I am not sure socialized medicine is the answer, but I think one should look at more government regulation. I have seen what hospitals charge, $18 for a baby aspirin, $900 for an MRI which could cost less than half. One thing socialized medicine does is get rid of a lot of waste, though I am sure there is still a lot more that could be cut.

fezo

Killer with the baby and the Slurpee dad is that not only wold the cure have been available for the cost of the Slurpee - but it could have been bought in the same store!

Just being first to show up in anER won't get you to the front of the line. They do some triage. I've been moved to the front of the line because of symptoms and history (good thing on at least one occasion - I'd have been there reading a magazine and having a seizure). I also moved my then 2 year old (now 23) daughter to the front of the line because she was in a lot of pain and just said to the person doing teh intake - "well, she can cry this this in the waiting room or you could get her in and fix the problem."

They haven't totally outlawed common sense even if it appears otherwise at times.

stickguy

Hope you are out there today!

completely off topic (but at least I shared actual sales stories recently), but I am looking for suggestions down NC way for a vacation.

we are looking to do something in early April (the week after Easter). Originally were planning to do something elaborate (such as fly out west to Arizona) but for a number of reasons never got to buying tickets (and dang they are expensive!).

so given the late date, we are thinking about driving instead, and maybe staying somewhre in NC, middle or toward the coast. Maybe a "resort" type that is suitable for travelling with a 16 YO. And not something overly pricey.

could also just go to someplace and stay at a normal hotel, and do daily activities.

My daughter does like horses, so someplace that offers that would be nice.

anyway, and suggestions for locations to visit, or places to stay? Might do a couple of days near Williamsburg VA. on the way down. But are wide open as to ideas that I can throw together on the fly!

jmonroe

First off, I'll say that we were blessed to be spared the storms that hit all around us;

Glad to hear that. When I heard of the devastation in your area I wondering about you and ‘jip’.

jmonroe

jmonroe

I know almost nothing about babies. But I do know that any drug store sells over the counter medical aid for teething. Usually something that is rubbed on the gums.

I do know something about teething babies and I can tell you that the over the counter remedies don’t work that well.

When Son #1 was teething we tried the drug store stuff (Numbs-It and Ora Gell) and gave up on it. I remember Mrs. j telling my mother about this and my father asked, “have you tried Canadian Club”? She said, “WHAT”?. He said, “it works. Just wet your fingers with some whiskey and rub it on his gums. He’ll go to sleep”. I said, “is that because it’ll numb his gums or because he’ll just pass out”? Dad said, “do you really care”? :surprise: The next time he woke up from teething pains I told Mrs. j to try it. At first she was very reluctant but finally at my insistence she gave in. I thought that kid was going to suck her finger down his throat. BAM, finally, a peaceful night’s sleep. After that she passed the word to the other young parents in the neighborhood. Now they were all doing it. FWIW, Son #2 benefited from this because he didn’t have to go through that trial and error period.

Back in the late 80’s a fellow worker was complaining about a sleepless night due to his daughter getting her first tooth. I passed on the old trick to him and he said a few days later that it really worked. I said, “I know it works, you don’t have to tell me that, and look at it like this…you’re giving your kids an early start on something they’re going to do anyway when they go off to school. It’s never too early to get them prepared for college”.

Sometimes father does know best.

jmonroe

stickguy

Virtua just built a fancy new hosptial in my town, and we went to the open house to take a tour (before they opened, and man, the place was packed).

one thing they have is a dual-ER set up. basically the full ER for 'real" cases, and a "quickie lube" window for more minor stuff that you want looked at quicker. I think that is staffed with nurses and/or physician assistants? In any case, weeds out the tummy aches and similar

fezo

Good plan. My arthritis doc is over there.

tjc78

Virtua just built a fancy new hosptial in my town

That place is impressive. I haven't been in it yet but pass it by quite often. My Aunt works there, and my mother has worked for Virtua (West Jersey for those who have been around Jersey for a while) for almost 40 years.

Just picked up the Buick from getting it's first oil change and some "Stabilitrack light" recall. I'm good for another 4K miles. I can't believe how much better the 70/73 interchange (right near my dealer) is without the circle.

I was peaking at a GMC Terrian in the service lane, I really like that SUV for my Fiance. Its a nice size, and not all curvy like some of the other midsize SUVs.

jipster

Glad to hear that. When I heard of the devastation in your area I wondering about you and ‘jip’.

We were lucky. The Henryville tornado hit just north of Louisville. The New Pekin tornados (F3 andF4) is close to where my wife grew up. Several other tornados hit to the south east of Louisville.

Not sure but I think the Henryville tornado was the F4 that was on the ground for nearly 50 minutes, covering nearly that many miles. Saw one photo of a mobile home wrapped around a tree.

We got some heavy rain and strong gusts of wind, but no real damage. Today we have 4" of snow on the ground.

fezo

The 70/73 circle is gone? Last through there they were working on making it gone. What a monster that thing was!

stickguy

much nicer. Still shocks me when I go over the "flyover" piece.

tjc78

Yes and good riddens! 73 now goes above 70 and from 70 there are large on ramps to access 73 either to the north or southbound. It was a long time coming! The landmark diner "Olga's" is closed too, although the building remains.

michaellno

73 now goes above 70 and from 70 there are large on ramps to access 73 either to the north or southbound.

Sounds vaguely familiar ... I used to travel to South Jersey quite a bit in the past (both business reasons and 'cuz I had family in the area) and the use of traffic circles and jughandles was most annoying to me.

Guess we just have more space here out West to design the highways correctly the first time.

:P

snakeweasel

*Just this year alone in Florida, one fellow we know was golfing, and his hand went numb, dropped his club, couldn't move.

That happened to me about 6 months ago, my whole right side went numb for a few minutes. Didn't go to the hospital simply because the sympthoms subsided. But did go to the doctors as soon as I could. Ran a bunch of tests and found nothing. Hasnt happen since.

snakeweasel

One guy is in emergency and is bleeding every where from a car accident. But, the little girl with a tummy ache gets seen first because they were there first.

I find that hard to believe because ER's tend to triage patients and will take the most severe cases first regardless or when they arrived. Ask anyone who has ever worked in an ER, you don't want to be the first to be taken into the ER to be seen. It means you are the most injured and/or sick.

driver100

That happened to me about 6 months ago, my whole right side went numb for a few minutes.
Could be a tmi - transient ischemic attack, which is a mini-stroke. Sometimes it comes and goes, and could happen again.

Some steps to prevent another one;

•Minimizing risk factors is a priority, including optimizing blood pressure, cholesterol and lipid levels, and controlling diabetes.

•Aspirin is the drug of choice to prevent future TIAs or stroke. Aspirin makes platelets less sticky and prevents clot formation.

*If it is a clogged artery, it should be unclogged.

nyccarguy

Remind me to pick up your edmunds' dues for 2012. I saved some cash using your patented XM negotiations.

Called up & told them I wanted to cancel my subscription ($220/year). Asked why & I told them it was simply too much money. The guy asks me if $100 for the year is OK. I tell him that times are pretty tough and even that I can't swing. He comes back & tells me $85 for the year is the promotion they have out now. "Great! Sign me up!"

driver100

ER's tend to triage patients and will take the most severe cases first regardless or when they arrived.

I saw it. I think it was because the ER where the accident victim was to go was full. The doctor who could see the little girl was free, so could see her first.

I was seen after the little girl but before the guy bleeding on a stretcher. I had burning eyes because I helped a friend cut up hot peppers. I didn't realize the hot stuff gets into your hands and when I touched my eyes they were burning. This friend is a walking disaster, always has mishaps. I should have known better than to help do that.

fezo

Yeah, Olga's has been closed for up for a while. Too bad. That was a favorite.

When did they finish the work? I must have gone through that to go to the Philly auto show.

On, ERs. I've been put to the front of the line and had to wait out until they got to me. All things considered the latter was better. Any time I was put at the front of the line they've admitted me.

Speaking of hospital things Wednesday I go in for a whole bunch of pre-admit tests. Two weeks from now I go in for the actual procedure.

I know explorer (and others) have asked about helping out and I said I was waiting on a paypal and web site for the fundraisers. As taht hasn't happened yet I will say I have a paypal account under my E-mail which is in my profile.

Meanwhile here's a link to what I am dealing with. If you click on the experts tab, you will see Drs. Jakubowski and Nimer. These are te primary folks taking care of me. I'm in good hands.

jmonroe

Remind me to pick up your edmunds' dues for 2012. I saved some cash using your patented XM negotiations.

OK hosts…you got that? Pass it onto the billing dept.

jmonroe

tjc78

When did they finish the work? I must have gone through that to go to the Philly auto show

I think it was pretty wrapped up by Christmas time. You would have been traveling west on 70 and you may have not even paid attention as you would just continue going straight on through. The big difference is when traveling on 73 as you go over 70 now.

RE: XM. Personally I think they may be one of the WORST companies on the face of the earth to deal with. The account we use is in my Fiance's name and she handles it. My Buick's trial ended and I wasn't going to renew it. Since we use my car most of the time she wanted it, so she called to put it back on. When she called she had the special offer letter they sent (to re-activate the Buick). It took her about a half an hour on the phone to settle it out. I think in the end we got a decent deal as we extended her radio for a year for $47.00 and mine with XM Nav Traffic/weather ends up around $12.00/month paid quarterly. The issue came when it took 3 days to get my radio activated. I wouldn't have wanted to be on the other end of the phone when she called. :surprise:

jmonroe

RE: XM. Personally I think they may be one of the WORST companies on the face of the earth to deal with.

Man…you got that right. They are a real trip alright. I have always gotten the renewal rate that I wanted but the last time in the middle of them of them “correcting” my account they threw the wrong switch and now my satellite signal was gone. Everything was fine while my account was in limbo until they agreed to the old rate that I previously had but now, poof, no XM radio. I called and it took two different people to send the correct “refresh signal” to finally get it going again. In talking to the second guy it sounded like they activated someone else’s radio the first time but they couldn’t determine whose account that was. So, someone out there, thanks to me, has XM free.

And to think, they’re in the communications biz. :confuse:

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

The deposit has been credited to your account.

fezo

Boy, that was a quick credit. No wonder jmonroe like hanging here...

stickguy

I had some fun when I dropped my Accord, and did not bother to get a new unit for the Volvo. the Accord was the primary radio, and when I called I first decided to switch the other 2 units to a yearly plan (1 month free, instead of the quarterly plan). Then they took the Accord off, but as best I can tell they never figured out that it meant there was no primary ("full rate") radio assigned.

would not surprise me if that doesn't get caught up to until next renewal time.

driver100

RE: XM. Personally I think they may be one of the WORST companies on the face of the earth to deal with.

Can't be worse than Air Canada. They try to do things just to upset their customers...I think they think it is smart marketing.

Talking about companies that aggravate. It is the coldest night of the year, yesterday evening, about 25F, and 2 kids knock on the door at 7:30 pm.

They are taking a survey to see if I would like information about Weed Man.
We do need something done to our lawn because the weeds are out of control but I sure won't use Weed Man. I am supposed to stand there with the door open to get some pitch on using WM? If I need a service to deal with weeds, and I do, it sure won't be WM. I looked up complaints about them and there were lots. One neighbor said they get you started at a low rate then keep telling you that you need extras.

However, one neighbor really likes them. I say I don't use companies that knock on my door because it just shows how inconsiderate they are.

tjc78

No one needs "Weed Man" "True Green" or any of those companies. Scott's 4 step fertilizer/weed treatments do just fine.

I've flown on Air Canada once. I thought it was OK.

driver100

I've flown on Air Canada once. I thought it was OK.

At one time I would have agreed. Now they change your flights to cut down on planes in use. If flights are cancelled they don't help you.

Worst example I have had was:
Went to Ottawa on a business trip...hour and a quarter.
Finished early, wanted to return on the 2:30 flight which was empty, and not wait for the 5:30 which was completely filled.
Idiots wouldn't let me change my ticket unless I paid about $360 for our tickets (me and wife).
If the idiots had put us on the empty 2:30 flight, we would have been happy customers, and they could have sold 2 tickets for the 5:30 flight.

That's why I say, they just go out of their way to aggravate you.

I'll look into Scotts 4 Step......but things are getting complicated here, can only use environmentally friendly stuff. If we need Round Up we have to promise we are using it for Poison Ivy....wink wink.

stickguy

I do my own mowing (pushing the mower and walking the dog qualifies as my exercise program!), but I have had a fertilizer service for a while. I hate doing that stuff, and never seem to get the right stuff down at the right time. Plus I have had issues with fungus and grubs at times, and that isn't something the 4 step deals with!

I suppose I should just buy a new spreader and the stuff to put down and save the few hundred $$, since the worst that can happen is it looks like crap and I pay the service next year to fix it!

kyfdx

When I did it myself, would always get stripes, burn spots from clumps dropping out of the spreader, etc, etc...

I have a small yard, and it's only about $250 for six treatments... I can live with that..

I also have a sprinkler system, because I'm too lazy to move the sprinkler around...

Basically, I don't do anything, and I have the best looking lawn on the block... lol

EDIT: I do my own mowing... 20 years on my Honda, so far... takes 30 minutes..

jmonroe

No one needs "Weed Man" "True Green" or any of those companies. Scott's 4 step fertilizer/weed treatments do just fine.

I’m usually a DIYer but for some reason I don’t like lawn work. So, I’ve had a lawn service for as long as I can remember. Years ago they were pretty good but not anymore and I’ve had them all. Just the other day we were offered a please-come-back-to-us promotional rate by Scott's. No thanks, they were one of the worst ones we’ve had. I’m seriously thinking about getting the Scott's stuff in the bag and doing it myself this year. There is no reason why I shouldn’t be doing this. I have both types of spreaders just collecting dust.

jmonroe

tjc78

You can get stripes with the old "drop" type spreaders, but with the broadcast type its pretty hard to screw up.

I've been lucky using Scotts, and my lawn looks pretty good. It is just hard to get perfect without a sprinkler system I rigged up a pretty nice system with a timer to water, but there always seems to be a spot or two that doesn't get enough coverage.

Mower? A Craftsman that I got free with the house. Thing just won't die! At least it is self-propelled.

jmonroe

Boy, that was a quick credit. No wonder jmonroe like hanging here...

Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too. Must be a car thing…”if you don’t ask you don’t get”.

Anyway, sure glad there was a fellow chump poster in here that was willing to do that for me.

jmonroe

fezo

This summer I am not allowed to do any yard work or even deal with house plants. What I need is for stick or someone to come over and do that for me....

sterlingdog

"...but I think one should look at more government regulation."

What???!!! You were against that when we had our big discussion about the free market and global economy. :P Sorry---I just couldn't let that one go by without comment.

I realize what you're saying about our high cost of medical care, but also don't forget the QUALITY of care. As with cars, some doctors are just better than others. We are at least allowed to select the surgeons and physicians that we want. For me, that is a key factor. Example: When my wife had breast cancer surgery in 1993, any number of surgeons could have performed the operation. My sister and BIL who are doctors wanted us to have the Chief of Oncology at Duke Medical Clinic. Also, a dear friend of ours had selected him. We were fortunate to get him, and my wife felt better going into the surgery because of it. Having confidence in your doctor and being able to select the one you want is a big step in how you feel about recovery. The cost becomes secondary when you're in a life threatening situation. If insurance doesn't pay all of the bill, hospitals are very understanding in setting up a payment schedule for you....at least that has been our experience.

Fezo: I was rushed to the ER with a kidney stone attack. They took me before those with less serious ailments. When my mother fell during the night and broke her hip and arm, the ER took her immediately. As you say, most of them do use common sense.

Richard

dino001

Medical care prices is a classic chicken and egg problem. People need insurance becuase the prices are high, but the prices are high because most people have insurance. Every single good or service that is not paid for directly, sees rapid increase of costs just years after wide adoption of insurance, or other non-cash support system. It can be currently observed in real time in veterinarian pet care (there was no such thing as pet insurance ten/fifteen years ago, I can only imagine how much it will cost to clip your fido's nails in twenty years from now), dental care made a big leap a few years ago. Other industries see it too: car repair/body shop comes in mind, or student tuitions, or houses before the bust. Each time the argument to start the program is the same: peaple can't afford it, so we help them with insurance/loans/subsidies. After adoption, the prices go up much faster than available improvement of services, after which people conclude that those uninsured/unsibsidized can afford the service/good even less, so they need insurance/subsidy even more. Chicken and egg.

stickguy

college tuition is a prime example of costs rapidly outpacing inflation. Largely related to the prevelance of student loans, but also a "rack rate" syndrome (like with hotels).

what that means is, the published costs is crazy high, but next to no one actually pays it. Financial aid (beyond loans) goes to a high % of students, leaving only the legitimately loaded to pay the full freight. So in some ways, it is income redistribution (the wealthy are subsidizing the less well to do).

Of course, when a college has a 4 billion dollar endowment, they can't afford to spread around some cash! Thankfully, the Ivies are big on this (sefish on my part, having a kid in the system now!)

fezo

Yeah. My brother went to Yale thanks to endowments.

So, when are you coming to take car of my lawn?

sterlingdog

"Hope you are out there today!"

Well, I tried all day and couldn't get in here. (Mark, I hope you're listening. This is getting to be a real problem. We can't spend so much time trying to log in here.)

Wow Stick, you've placed a tall order. I hardly know where to begin. I know that you said you wanted to stay in the middle of the state or near the coast. I wish that you could consider the mountains---Biltmore in Asheville is such a wonderful experience, with nice places to stay. Chetola Lodge in Blowing Rock is a nice resort and can arrange the horse deal for your daughter. Also, Boone is only 9 miles down the road where I did my undergraduate work at Appalachian State University---a beautiful mountain college town.

If you like the coast, the possibilities are endless. Kitty hawk (Wright Brothers Memorial) and Kill Devils Hill are beautiful places to visit, and you can enjoy the beaches. Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach are 40 minutes from Myrtle Beach, but both are in North Carolina. They are less crowded and have beautiful shoreline. We stay there and drive down to Myrtle for shopping and the night life. If you're going to be here for a week, why not rent a cottage on the ocean? Cost, convenience, cooking, privacy, etc. are not any worse than a nice hotel would be. I just rented an ocean front cottage this morning for the week before Easter. It's a 3 BR, 2 bath for $1,300. A good hotel would cost that much.

If you're thinking middle of the state, Winston-Salem is a nice city. Tour Old Salem and see how the Pilgrims lived as you munch on Moravian cookies and cakes. Drive out to Wake Forest University and let your daughter see the campus---a great experience. Also, take her by Salem College (for women)---an extremely fine academic institution. My wife considered going there but chose Peace College in Raleigh, also for women. Greensboro is also a nice city. Tour the historic Revolutionary War sites and take your daughter by UNC-Greensboro---a great school for the arts, education, and journalism. Be sure to drive over to Chapel Hill and see the UNC campus, as well as N.C. State in Raleigh. In Chapel Hill, stay at the Carolina Inn on campus. It's a beautiful hotel and your daughter would be in 7th heaven there. You and your wife would enjoy it, too. My FIL was Vice President of UNC after he retired from politics. We are a little biased when it comes to UNC.

I don't know if any of this helps you or not. If you decide on a specific area, let me know. Perhaps I can be more helpful and more specific as to restaurants, hotels, sites, etc. Do come down and enjoy our beautiful state. The dogwoods, azaleias, and other plants will be in bloom, and the weather should be great.

Richard

houdini1

I agree with you on Scott's. They had my lawn looking awful after 2 years and had every excuse in the book why it wasn't their fault. After switching to a local guy, lawn looks great now.

dino001

You call it rack rate syndrome, I call it casino jackpot. Crazy high rate just in case the hospital/college/hotel hits a jackpot and the sucker will pay.

driver100

You were against that when we had our big discussion about the free market and global economy.

You have too good of a memory. And if my memory is still functioning I think you wanted more government regulation - RE: free trade at least.

My sister and BIL who are doctors wanted us to have the Chief of Oncology at Duke Medical Clinic.

If you know doctors, it can make a big difference. They can guide you through the system and the doctors you get work better, because they know there are other doctors watching.

I agree, that is an advantage, being able to choose the doctor you want. You would have to be somewhat knowledgeable or have a doctor advocating for you to know which doctor to see.

What about your HMO system....that seems to be like a barrier to make health care as cheap as possible? They don't seem to work in the patients interest from what I can tell.

BTW With our medicare system, your doctor sends you to a specialist. You have to hope you have a good doctor who has good connections.