Hard BargainMr Selfridge told me that for years he had asked to buy a small shop that impeded the progress of his business. He offered nine thousand pounds, but the owner wanted thirteen thousand. At last, in desperation, Mr Selfridge said, 'Look here, will you toss for it? If you win, I'll pay your price. If I win, you accept mine.'
"The owner, a little dazed by this unorthodox approach, agreed. Mr Selfridge tossed a penny and won, and was immediately contrite. He wanted to increase his offer, but the owner said no."
Selfridge, Harry (1864-1947) American-born British founder of Selfridge's department stores (1909)
[Sources: Sir Harry Preston, Leaves From my Unwritten Diary]More Harry Selfridge anecdotesRelated Anecdote Keywords:
Business Negotiations Deals Agreements Stubbornness Guilt Bargaining Coin Tosses
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