So, I got up this morning shortly before the crack of noon and headed over to GameCrazy to pick up a video game that they had on sale -- 50 percent off. It's not at all busy, but I walk in and ask for the game. The clerk gets it off the shelf, turns around, and it begins.

"Can I have your phone number."

No.

"I need your phone number."

What do you need my phone number for?

"To call up your account."

I don't have an account.

"You've never bought anything here before?"

No.

"Well, I need your phone number."

No.

(At this point the guy pauses. So, I give in.)

OK, 555-1212.

(The guy looks down at the computer and then it hits him, that's the number for information.)

"Sir, I need your phone number."

No, you don't. Just sell the thing to me.

(So, he scans the game -- at the regular price.)

It turns out that the clerk wasn't aware they were having a sale, despite the fact that he had one of their fliers on the counter in front of him. It also turns out that GameCrazy doesn't make it easy for them to give the advertised discounts -- he ended up pulling out a three-ring binder and flipping through it for a couple of minutes looking for the discount code. He finally gave up when the manager arrived a couple of minutes later and found the code buried in the middle of the book.

It's a wonder that place is able to stay profitable -- not only because of the bad service, but also because I'm pretty sure that my sole purchase was a loss-leader.