Creating the Perfect Sales Experience

The last thing I intended to do in Athens was buy anything other than a postcard. Although the cruise had been fantastic, I had started with a wallet full of money and had already had to hit American Express twice for more cash. What I had in mind now was a pleasant tour around the city in a cab and then back to the hotel to rest!

We saw the Acropolis, Olympic Stadium, and Temple of Jupiter. Despite lingering at our first stop over an hour, it seemed that we were quickly running out sights to see! But the driver had an idea. “Why don’t we go downtown and look at some of the stores?” he suggested. “Athens has great shopping.” Like a lamb to the slaughter, I agreed.

The taxi made a beeline to the center of the city and pulled up next to an expensive-looking store with Greek vases, gold jewelry, and assorted gods in bronze. The driver assured me that the owner was his best friend and to prove it promptly walked into the back room and returned with two cans of Mythos (Greek beer.) It was only 11 a.m., but what the heck, I was on vacation. So I took one, as did my wife. Then an attractive young woman appeared from nowhere with two glasses. The kids were each given a soda and moved to a quiet sitting area to play with their Gameboys.

We gave a casual glance to the bronzes, statues, and vases. An attractive middle-aged woman came over…