“Yeah. I just finished the job at Stuff It, and the customer asked for a price quote for a home install,” I said and told him what features she wanted.
Judge chuckled. “So, why do you need me? You know the prices for basic installs.”
“She asked for the cheapest one we have, so I’m guessing she’s on a tight budget, and I wanted to see if there was anything we could do to help her out.”
“Give me a second to pull up her account.”
“She’s scared,” I blurted.
“Yeah,” he said knowingly. “Most of my customers are. At least in the beginning.”
“I know,” I paused and exhaled slowly. “But this is different.”
“How so?”
“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “It’s just a feeling, but I don’t think I should ignore it.”
“Gotcha. So, yeah, they’ve been loyal customers for a few years. Let me see,” he trailed off. “Looks like I’ve got two cameras—one is refurbished, and the other one was never used, but I’m not going to use it for new installs because the newer model was released last month. She can have both cameras, as well as the sensors, free of charge.”
“So, she’d just be responsible for the monthly fee?”
“Yes, and we can give her a fifty percent discount on the monthly service since she has a business account in good standing with us.”
“Thanks, brother. If she decides to go ahead with it, I’ll do the installation this afternoon. Off the clock.”
Judge laughed. “Can’t say I didn’t see that coming.”
“Yep. Appreciate it.” Completely ignoring his remark, I ended the call and went back inside.
“I spoke with the owner,” I started and told her about the fifty percent discount before I went over the regular prices for basic home installations. “But, if you’re interested in saving some money, we have two previously owned cameras that can be installed for free.”
“Do the free cameras come with the special rate?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes. Regardless of which option you choose, you still get the monthly discount.”
“And there’s nothing wrong with the used equipment?”
“No. Technically, one has never been used, but we’re now installing the newer model that was released last month. The other one is refurbished and comes with a one-year warranty. If it stops working, we’ll repair it or replace it for free,” I added, knowing the cost would come out of my pocket if the camera crapped out on her.
She clapped her hands together once. “I’ll take the free cameras, one-year guarantee, and discounted plan, please.”
I wanted to smile, and possibly pump my fist, but I managed to contain myself. “Great. Do you want me to install the system today?”
“Do you have time? I don’t want to mess up someone else’s appointment.”
I couldn’t tell her I was working for free because she struck some deep-seated protective instinct in me with her worry-filled eyes and her damn lemonade. “I do. They blocked my whole day for this job and the one that was just canceled.”
“What would you do for the rest of the day if I hadn’t opted for an additional security system?”
I chuckled. “I wouldn’t be getting off early if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ll be working until five o’clock today one way or another.” Though I probably would have been working at the gym instead of helping Judge get caught up.
“As long as I’m not inconveniencing you, or someone else.”
“Not at all,” I reassured her. “I’ll take my lunch break now and stop by the office to pick up the cameras. I should be back in an hour or so.”
“Sounds good,” she smiled and raised her hand like she was going to wave again but quickly dropped it.
* * *
