“But this cleaner is good -looking enough to leave right here in your parlor as a permanent fixture, isn’t it?” WOMAN: “Yes, it looks all right, but speaking of parlors, my husband ha s two dogs. Will it remove dog hair?” SALESMAN (Not to be thrown off his “canned” talk.): “I’m coming to that . But first I want you to hear this cleaner in operation. It has a scientific humming sound that won’t annoy your neighbors, and you don’t want t o annoy your neighbors, do you?” WOMAN: “No, of course not, but will it remove dog hair?” SALESMAN: “I’m coming to that. But first let me show you the bottom of this instrument. It’s certainly a business - like looking machine, isn’t it?” Why, lady, the parts in there will last longer than your rugs. In fact, this Bojack will last a lifetime, and that is what you are looking for in a cleaner, aren’t you?” WOMAN: “I really wouldn’t care how long it will last, if it would remove dog hair.” SALESMAN: “Of course it will remove dog hair.” WOMAN (getting angry at being put off.): “But how do I know it will remove dog hair?” SALESMAN (Likewise getting angry.): “You’ll have to take my word for it! Now let me show you how it removes pieces of paper. (Throws handful of torn paper on floor.) See it pick them up? Well, almost all the pieces. That’s really wonderful, isn’t it? “Madam, this cleaner is guaranteed not to rip, run, warp, tear, or stretch your most valuable rugs. Now I’ve cleaned one of your dirty rugs, and have shown you what this cleaner will do, so let’s get down to the business of how much it will cost you – “ WOMAN (Standing up and walking toward kitchen.): “I really can’t give you any more time. I’ve a cake in the oven. Some day stop in and le t me SEE if it really will remove dog hair. My present cleaner won’t, and I would be interested in ANY machine that would. Good- day!” SALESMAN (Out on cold front porch again.): “She must have some mangy wolfhounds in her house. (Holds up tin can.) Funny there is nothing in my ‘canned’ sales talk about removing dog hair. If she hadn’t kept throwing me off the track, I would have given a good demonstration. She wasn’t supposed to do that . I’ll have to take this up with the office!”
P. 109
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