Under Promise, Over Deliver

That concept has been drilled into my head. I still have a hard time getting it when dealing with other people. But that's Tony's company motto (within the four walls, of course). And that is one reason why they are getting lots of attention in the big city for such a relatively new business venture.

What Tony didn't bargain for was a wife that would finally learn that lesson so well that she would turn the tables on him one fateful day. I've used it quite a bit lately in fact - everytime I spend too much money and know he is going to be less than pleased. Take today for instance, when he told me not to spend too much money at WalMart because he didn't want to have transfer money from our savings. Tomorrow is payday. My mind immediately went to a transaction earlier in the day that I'd done on ebay. I wondered how long it would take paypal to request the $8.95 I'd spent. I finally worked up the courage to tell him after supper. The conversation went kind of like this:

Me: I have a confession (I should let you know I waited until he was flat out on the floor waiting for me to pop his back)

Tony: What confession?

Me: Ummmm, how long does it take paypal to request money from our bank account?

Tony: Immediately. Why?

Me: Oh. I bought some scrapbook supplies online today. $50 worth. They were having a big sale.

Tony: What?!? (pause) How much really?

Me: $20 (see under promise, over deliver...start out with a really high amount so when you finally get down to what you really spent it sounds like peanuts)

Tony: (apparently hearing the grin in my voice) How much?

Me: $20 (it helps to emphasize the doubled dollar amount a time or two...then the actual, lesser amount is really a relief)

Tony: How much?

Me: $20

Tony: (he's onto my game) $5 or $10?

Me: $8.95

Tony: Okay.

Me: Under promise, over deliver. Do you know who taught me that concept?

Tony: (no reply - you only hear the sizzle...burned!)