Financial Wisdom From My Father

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with my parents in central Kansas. My father told me “never take ‘no’, from someone who does not have the authority to say ‘yes’.”

This made good sense and I have incorporated it into my life. It has already paid off financially.

Yesterday, I called a company in an attempt to get a refund on an enrollment fee I had paid them. I will spare you the long story. Just know that I was refused. Before hanging up, I wondered if the lady on the other end of the line, even had the authority to say “yes” to my request.

I kindly asked to talk with her supervisor. Similarly, the supervisor instructed me that the enrollment fee was non-refundable. I wondered if this person had the authority to say “yes” to my request. So, I asked to talk to her supervisor.

This person explained company policy, but then agreed that I had a reasonable request due to the circumstances. He said he could make an exception to policy, and refunded my money.

Bottom line: the first two people I spoke with had no authority to reverse company policy. All they can say is “no”. They would lose their job if they broke company policy. The third person I spoke with had the authority to say “yes”. This is no guarantee that he would say yes, but he had the authority to do so, if he believes the situation warrants it.

Important note: I treated each person with kindness and respect. There is no reason to get angry with a person who can not do what you have requested.

Next time you are in a financial negotiation, consider this advice: Never take a “no” from someone who does not have the authority to say “yes”.

Thanks Dad!