Always tell the truth. Even if you have to make it up. ~Author Unknown
By barehugs
@barehugs (8973)
Canada
September 24, 2010 9:26pm CST
I bought my first Motorcycle in the early 70s and shortly thereafter began to look for accessories. First I installed a windshield. Then I found a lovely pair of high boots, dark,ox-blood, oh so slick, and I wore them with pride on my Bike. But alas the sole on the left boot soon came loose, probably from putting my foot down at every stop. So back to the shoe-store I went, with the boots in their box, and parked the bike just across the street. I found the store owner was working at the back, showed her the boots, and asked for a replacement of the defective foot ware. She examined the boots carefully, and inquired if I rode a Motorcycle? I looked her in the eye and replied," Do I look like a guy who rides a Bike?" "Well no!" she said,as she accepted the boots, and replaced them with a new pair. I thanked her, and left the store, with the new boots tucked under my arm. She stood watching from the big window, as I crossed the street mounted my bike, and rode away!
Is this an example of making up the truth, or simply being deceitful? Do you think the boots were defective? Was I right in asking for a replacement?
2 people like this
5 responses
@CJscott (4187)
• Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
25 Sep 10
This is an example of asking questions, to avoid flat out lying. It is a fairly good strategy, when you want to avoid being deceitful, though, the deceitfulness of this practice is a matter of perspective.
Were the boots designed for riding a motorcycle? If not, they probably were not defective, and if so, you were right to ask for a replacement.
At least that is the way I look at it.
Sincerely and With Appreciation.
2 people like this
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
25 Sep 10
The problem was, 40 years ago there were very few motorcycles on the road, consequently motorcycle boots were uncommon, and it was hard to find the genuine article in a store. I had to take what I could find whether or not they were specifically designed for motorcycle riding or not. When the store owner asked about my motorcycle riding, I knew what was coming, and decided to skate around the question. At that time all bikers got a bad name, and dressed the part, (as a scare tactic) so the owner believed me. Would a dishonest Biker wear red Boots?
2 people like this
@CJscott (4187)
• Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
25 Sep 10
A dishonest biker would wear what ever color of boots, were easiest to steal
I understand your point exactly, and I do not believe you were being dishonest, or lying. Just manipulated information into peoples minds, asking questions that allow people to make "judgement" decisions, is a great way to do that.
Sincerely and with Appreciation.
I understand your point exactly, and I do not believe you were being dishonest, or lying. Just manipulated information into peoples minds, asking questions that allow people to make "judgement" decisions, is a great way to do that.
Sincerely and with Appreciation.1 person likes this
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
25 Sep 10
My feeling about the truth is that you cannot tell a lie by asking a question. One has to deliberately mislead, by making an untruthful Statement (as if it were fact) In this case I simply asked a question, which could have been answered by a yes, or an no. It was done in a humorous context, and I was laughing as I rode away, imagining that woman shaking her head, as she went back to her work restocking the store shelves.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
30 Sep 10
Well, you didn't lie per se. It sounds as if the store owner would have shirked her responsibility to repair or replace the boots which should have lasted longer than 3 weeks under any circumstances in my opinion. You basically let her off the hook as I see it.
Did the new boots last longer than the first pair?...this is the burning question I feel.
Perhaps your post should have had a sub-title..."never judge a book by it's cover". 
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
30 Sep 10
MsTickle, you have a way with words, and ideas too! I liked the idea of the store owner shirking her responsibility. And Yes, as I remember it, those replacement boots lasted until they were well worn (thanks for reminding me of this crucial fact!) This response is worth a B.R., Thanks!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
25 Sep 10
wow you sure did make that one u p but who knows maybe the soles
were defective and maybe you did tell a bit of an odd untruth
so I will give you the benefit of the doubt. I am still laughing
and I have a hunch the girl probably did know they were being
skilled. anyway you did get new boots so who knows. good on you I guess.he he I am laug hing
1 person likes this
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
25 Sep 10
I was disappointed in the boots, even though they were well made they were not constructed for riding a bike. I had an idea the store would try to get out of replacing them. But I had had them for only 3 weeks, and felt they should be guaranteed for at lease 3 months.
1 person likes this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
25 Sep 10
Only 3 weeks?! Well, then they were defective, in my opinion and they should rightly replace them. How long did the replacement pair last?
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
25 Sep 10
Oh, you are sooo funny, barehugs.
Technically, you did not lie. But you answered a question with a question, which is typical deflection. I never accept responses like that and insist that the person answer the question that was asked. I'm not as stupid as this girl was.
Now, as to the warranty. If there is a warranty on the boot of 30, 60 days or even several months, or a year,....A warranty is a warranty and they have to replace them if they break down during that time. Else you will not be purchasing that brand again, yes?
I think it is irrelevant that you ride a bike, myself, but they may have considered that unusual wear and tear as opposed to normal wear and tear.
Technically, you did not lie. But you answered a question with a question, which is typical deflection. I never accept responses like that and insist that the person answer the question that was asked. I'm not as stupid as this girl was.
Now, as to the warranty. If there is a warranty on the boot of 30, 60 days or even several months, or a year,....A warranty is a warranty and they have to replace them if they break down during that time. Else you will not be purchasing that brand again, yes?
I think it is irrelevant that you ride a bike, myself, but they may have considered that unusual wear and tear as opposed to normal wear and tear.@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
25 Sep 10
Obviously I did not feel I had told a lie. I felt I was avoiding an dishonest company rule, made to avoid replacing foot ware that was not built strong enough. This rule was made in favor of the Company, and did not consider the customer at all.
1 person likes this
