Selling things is funny

We have reached that point. 

The point of getting new things, and in the process of finding a home for those new things, finding old things that we no longer use or use that much.  We get into the mindset of finding new homes for these things, and in the process search and find more items to purge.  Thus begets this years post holiday selloff.  Some items we freecycle or donate to Goodwill.  Most we try to sell, either through Ebay or Craigslist.  Since we are nestled inside of a subdivision, I have found it easier to meet people in a parking lot nearby to deliver the items than to try and guide them through the winding streets.  

One thing that these experiences have taught me: People are funny.

Some are funny in what they will actually take (and even pay money for!), others are funny in their dealings, while others are funny in what they think a reasonable offer is (barter, don't insult, people).  

And then there is me (Jason).  There are times that I get a kick out of bucking social conventions just to get a reaction out of people.  Recently, I was presented with an opportunity to do this and make some money at the same time.  Double bonus!

I had a person interested in purchasing a desktop computer that we no longer needed, and I quickly had to come up with a meeting spot, since turning on the computer was necessary for the sale and there are no plugs in the middle of the Kohl's parking lot.  I settled on meeting at a local Panera Bread, knowing that there would be available outlets.  Being the early bird that I am, I arrived before my customer, so I proceeded to set up the desktop for display.

My viewpoint.

I apologize that I do not have any other photos of peoples reactions, but believe me, they were priceless.  Yes, I was that guy who shows up to the coffee shop with his complete desktop, sets it up, and then proceeds to get a cup of coffee and sits down at it.  I never turned it on while I was by myself, but I was set up in a corner close to the front door, so the rest of the customers could not see that it was off.  I pretended to work on it for a bit, just clicking around and occasionally typing, but keeping an eye on the door.  The reactions of others as they walked in and caught a glimpse of some guy with a desktop were hilarious.  I saw my share of elbow jabs and whispers to the side while glancing in my direction.  

The fun part was that my contact was delayed, so I had the opportunity to look at a message on my phone, get slightly irritated (an act), and hurriedly pack the whole thing up and rush out.

Sign me up for the next Improv Everywhere tryouts.