Some examples:
- Having a store clerk explain a product while fully intending to purchase the item online.
- Requesting bids from three firms while already knowing which one - without question - will get the contract.
- Buying an item, using it for an event, and then returning it for a refund when that was the plan all along and there is nothing wrong with the product.
- Discovering that a store delivered a more expensive, higher-grade, version of the product you purchased and not reporting the mistake to the store.
- Following the letter but not the spirit of an agreement.
5 comments:
I have found in my experience that those who play the angles in shopping the ways you describe play the angles in other areas as well, always trying to get something for nothing. I seem to remember something about servants showing they are trustworthy in the little things will be trusted with big things.
Something to ponder why does the unethical behaviour that you suggest also come with bragging rights?
Dan and Bob,
Great points!
Michael
Personally, I think getting multiple bids is a colossal waste of time unless I was seriously undecided as to which one I would choose.
That said, some companies require that their employees obtain three bids before they'll sign on the dotted line. (Usually while rambling something incoherent about "due diligence"...)
CincyCat,
I've encountered those "three bid" requirements. The most frustrating part is when you are one of the bidders and you later learn that all of your work in preparing a proposal meant nothing because the decision was preordained. You're correct: the process should only be used if the organization is undecided.
Michael
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