For much of his career my dad sold cars or developed teams of people who sold cars. Often a customer would base their decisions on model, trim or extras on the price. 

 

When a decision came down to price alone, my dad asked the question, “What do you work for?”

 

Primarily, the question represents a sales tactic. It helped the customer feel like they’d earned those extras. It helped them see that, in the grand scheme of their purchase, those few pounds here and there were inconsequential. It meant they thought about what they really wanted from their car.

 

The question is also a philosophy for life. When your time is finite, why scrimp when you’ve worked to earn your money? You can’t spend it when you’re dead.

 

If something costs a little extra but saves you time or enhances your experience it’s probably worth it.

 

If you want the more expensive bagel because you’ll enjoy your meal more, get it.

If you want the Garmin that stores music tracks, so you don’t need to take your phone on your run, make the upgrade. 

If the gym closer to your house costs 10% more but you save 50% of the travel time, it’s worth it. 

 

As for integrated sat nav, heated seats, and rear parking sensors… why not?!

 

What do you work for?