The Markdown

A grocery truck pulled up in front of a super market.  The driver jumped out of the truck and began unloading boxes and bags of different food.  He threw down all items on the same skid.  His route included a weekly visit to this store.  He did his job quickly.  After unloading, he would then pull the skid by his hand jack to an area where store employees would then sort and stock their shelves.  In his haste, he tore open a large bag of dog food.  He was unaware of it, but it was noticed by another.  Instantly there came a yell.                            

“Ouch!” was the cry that came from under the torn bag.  “Be careful, Buddy!  You’re spilling all over me!”

“I’m sorry,” replied the torn bag.  “I have no way of controlling my contents.”

The first bag yelled to the other bags that came off the truck.

“Hey guys, we’ve got another torn bag.”

“If he’s torn, keep him on your side.”  There came laughter from all.

“It’s not my fault I got damaged,” said Buddy.  “I am a high priced bag of dog food.  Can’t I still be sold?”

“Yes and no,” replied the first bag.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Well, I’m the bag you landed on.  I’ll explain it to you.  My name is Earl and your name is?”

“I’m Buddy!” He replied.  “You had the name right the first time.”

“We all have started out as a new bag of dog food.”  Earl continued, “Because you are torn, you will be sold for less.  Undamaged, we will be sold to customers for full price.”

“That doesn’t sound fair.”  In a loud voice Buddy insisted, “I think I am still worth as much as you!”

“In a good sturdy package, freshness stays in.  Your bag is torn releasing freshness.  Besides, any customer isn’t going to want to pay the same price for a torn bag.”

“The way you talk, I will be lucky to be sold at all.”

“No, not so.  You will be sold.  Some customers will see you as a bargain.”           

“I may be damaged, but I’m still in good shape,” Insisted Buddy.  “I bet I get sold before any of you.  I bet I am some dog’s meal by the end of the day while the rest of you are still sitting on the store shelf.”

Buddy was not off from his prediction.  He was placed in a cart of markdown items.  He was picked up quickly by one of the first customers entering the store.  As he passed by all the other bags of dog food on the pet aisle, he spoke where only they could hear.

“My bag may have been damaged and taped.  But inside I’m as good as I ever was.”

Buddy found himself laughing all the way to the checkout line.  He knew some dog would be eating a fine feast tonight.