OK, maybe that's a bit dramatic. I'm not "weary" as we arrived at the Cambria Pines Lodge on the first day of the Tudor Family Vacation, but traveling in a jam-packed minivan with two kids and a very pregnant wife had me ready to unwind by checking e-mails and getting back in touch with the working world.
"Do you have free Internet or wifi service?", I asked the front desk?
"It's not free, it's $9.95 for a 24-hour period," was her response.
I reluctantly paid it.
It's strange what we consumers have come to expect when it comes to "free". I've stayed in so many business hotels that just throw in free wifi service, I guess it surprised me to find that this nice place charged for it.
Why do they? Because they can. It's a lodge on the coast, and they don't cater to budget-consicous business people. They cater to travelers...and if those travelers and vacationers want Internet service while relaxing at a resort, they know we'll pay for it. Or, we'll go without e-mail (not an option for me, especially my video e-mail service that I've become addicted to!).
That's a good point to keep in mind for anyone in sales: Know when you can charge for something (or when you can charge more for something) and when your customers will be expecting it to be free, and not willing to pay for it. Look at my example: If I'm on business, I expect it to be included with the room. If I'm on vacation, I will expect to pay for it.
Knowing the difference with your customers can make a big difference in being successful or having to find a new career.
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