It pays to be kind to the butcher

I must preface this story with the fact that in no way have I been flirting or acting in a way that is unbecoming to a married woman like myself, nor am I advocating doing such a thing. This is purely about kindness and reaping the rewards of it.

Amanda and I headed out to our local grocery store yesterday afternoon to pick up the midweek staples, because I had done my big shopping last Thursday. Even though this grocery store is usually more expensive and has nicer cuts and quality of meat, I am able to get most of my meat there, due in large part to the butcher.

Years and years ago, before I was married with children, we worked together in the same office complex. When he showed up several years ago at the grocery store, I recognized him, but so many years had past I wasn't sure if he remembered me and so I would politely say hello to him when passing the meat dept. It always felt a little awkward not formally acknowledging the fact that we knew each other, so one day we broke the ice and chatted. After that, I always went out of my way to say hello, and ask about his kids or some small talk. In return he started letting me know when things were going to be put on a quick reduced sale. (due to expiring meat) You can really get some fab deals if you have a freezer. He would also tell me about the quality of meat and other interesting things like: ground beef that was labeled "managers special" was actually the ends of ribeye that couldn't be sold for steak, so it was turned into ground beef. Once I got $80 worth of steak and chicken for $20 because the steaks were end pieces that couldn't be sold as whole steaks, but other than being on the small side, they were wonderful.

Amanda LOVES meat, but she especially loves steak, so while we were looking over the reduced sale meat, she saw some Filet Mignon that was originally $26 but marked down to $19. I told her that even though it was marked down, that was still way too high to pay. The nice butcher said that he was getting ready to mark them down again, because they were 2 days from expiration. I asked him how much of a reduction and he said they would go down to $12 normally, but he could take them down to $10. I was still going to pass though because there were only 3 steaks in the pack. He then proceeded to tell me about a London broil that was going down to $3. So I snatched up the deals and headed home to grill out. Amanda was floored, she says she never would have thought that a kind word could go so far.

I have also noticed that being nice to the old man in the produce section can help out a lot as well. I've been able to get cantaloupe and pineapples for a $1. I had to cut them right away, but they were still fresh.

I am a terrible haggler. I never bargain at yard sales, and have a really difficult time asking people "Is that the best you can do?" Kindness and a little consideration though is easy, and can really pay off in the end.