The smiling friendly salesman comes out to give you an estimate...and yes, that is a diamond inset into his front tooth. It really sparkles when he smiles.

And he still smiles-even after he hands you your estimate and you are choking and gagging at the estimate-$20.000 dollars...for windows?

"Yes"...he smiles bigger ..(Fast, smooth talking mode on).But...it is not expensive at all, when you consider the enormous benefits of much lower utility bills and the satisfaction knowing you are going to be comfortable and secure in your own home...and don't forget fuel costs are going up every year...why, the saving on fuel costs will easily offset the installation cost in just a few years."

Your eyes began to settle back into their sockets. "Really" you say, thinking about your last fuel bill.

"Sure...it's a no brainier...I can show you the figures if you want."

Not wanting to be classified as stupid, you say "...uh...no, that's not necessary."

He licks his lips. "...And think about this...when you sell your home ...I mean, you'll want to upgrade to new larger home real soon ...right."

"...uh..Maybe."

"Well, there you go....any agent will tell you the ROI on replacement windows is almost %100...maybe more as costs go up. You can't loose...its win-win all the way."

"I didn't know that..."

"It's true...and one more thing..." He looks around and moves closer. "If the boss finds out about this, he'll kill me ...I'm sure we have your windows in stock. That means I'm charging your windows out at the old price."

"...The old price?"

"That's right...you see, nobody keeps windows in stock...and before an install, we always order from the factory...but last week, we had a guy cancel and I'm sure the windows are the same as yours."

"No kidding...you would do that...how much can I save?" You ask.

"A lot...you know, that price I gave you is just an estimate."

"OH ...REALLY?"

"Sure ...everybody does it like that now a days...any additional costs like fuel surcharges....destination charges ...would be added to that ...I mean the way things are going up...how can we do it any other way. The margin is so small; we would be out of business in a short time. See, it says that right here" Pointing to a small blob of print on the estimate.

"I guess I need some glasses."

"Don't we all...but, I'll tell you I can lock you in at that price today and you won't have to worry about it at all ...if you know what I mean." He winks. "The boss doesn't have to know about our special deal...just sign right here."

"Okay...here?"

"That's it..." He extends his hand, the diamond in his front tooth shining like a freight train headlight." I want to thank you...uh..Mr. Fish...for giving me the opportunity to save you some money...It really makes me feel good to help someone."