I'm looking at a quote I got for tires yesterday. It used to be you got a price, and that was installed on the car, mounted and balanced as they say. But as I look at this quote, I am not sure what I bought, or was going to buy. Say the price of the tire is $93 each. x4=$372. Plus tax. But we aren't on the car-yet. Automatically listed on the bill is $39 for free replacement if one is damaged. Think of it as the store betting you won't damage one. Which is very rare. $7 environmental fee-beware the word fee-it is another tax that the government gets, along with sales tax. Plus another $52 for lifetime balance and valve. Valves still only cost around 25 cents each, and most people don't go back for balancing, until the car shakes because the tire is worn out, and your warranty will not cover replacement because of lack of maintenance. Ask a soccer mom was mounting and balancing is, or a valve stem. So-for only another $98 you get a set of tires, plus tax. They have added on another 37%, of mostly intangibles-peace of mind the insurance whores call it, and stand there telling you that you got a great deal. And they have the word discount in their name!
I have been in the automotive business since 1977, and have only ever seen a handful of tires replaced under warranty-and usually to placate a customer. For some reason, they are the most perfect item made by man, but still wear out prematurely when left in his hands, or on his car. And the warranty certificate on the back states it is up to their inspection, and then you must buy the same warranty for the new tire, and it goes on and on. Just like Costco makes most of their profit from memberships, and major electronics chains from selling extended warranties-the last year Circuit City was in business they wrote over $400 million in extended warranties. Selling paper! It seems the product is secondary, sell that insurance! Which you have to! Or so they let on!
A fair deal is where both parties benefit, and when standing there with all cords showing on the tire you paid to lifetime balance, but didn't, they got you. And you just got an education that most don't know, so go in armed next time, and negotiate! Down-I want a discount, meet the competition's price like your sign says. Earn my business!
As Christians we are told to spread the gospel. But I have found an important aspect is earning the right to share Jesus. Listen, be compassionate, and share the gospel, then if you have to, use words. A saying says "they will listen to what you share, when they know how much you care." I watched a preacher interrupting some firemen this summer, and had nothing in common to talk with them. I stood by, but he wouldn't make eye contact with me, he was so focused on telling these men the gospel. On deaf, and unhearing ears. They wee with their families at a picnic! Holding the food they stood in line for. The spirit was not in his words, he had an agenda-his own. Just like selling the aftermarket warranties. Yes-they need to hear the gospel, and yes, we need to take it out. But God-gives us the words and audience He wants us to have. So sad, but so many have shot the messenger because he didn't earn the right. A chance to minister, blown by some misguided theory.
Why did Peter go from denial to a little girl, three times, to 3000 saved on Pentecost? The spirit was upon him. It is not us, or our words, but the spirit that gives life. And we are to be a witness, and should never have to go out witnessing! Our life should be open for all and any to see-and it is! Surprise to many, but not to God.
Buying tires, like sharing the gospel, should be easy. It's the small print, the low ball invite that takes away the trust. The gospel is simple, we sinned, and need a savior. His name is Jesus, when we repent and ask Him into our lives, we are saved. No small print, no certificates, no memberships, or add ones. Saved. Paid in full. No need to carry your papers with you, your name is written in the book of life.
So today, being a true rebel, I will question, and get the fees removed-or I will go elsewhere. Someone else would love to have my business.
Share the gospel in love today, for someone else would love to take away the gospel. Trust God, the right thing to do. He has already negotiated the best deal-Jesus. The bottom line, and Jesus is still the best way to get there.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com