| A few years ago I registered for a class that | | | | Today when I mailed a package at the post office, I |
| promised to teach coupon clippers how to save more | | | | saw the same stamp kit for 20 stamps but this kit sold |
| money. One of the first lessons taught in the class | | | | for $24.95. The only difference in the packages was |
| was to be observant and search for bargains in the | | | | the picture which represented 44 cent stamps instead |
| back of the store. The instructor said, "Begin your | | | | of 42 cent stamps. It was the same product but twice |
| search at the lowest rack on the shelf and finish with | | | | as expensive as the first kit I found on the clearance |
| the top shelf after you've scanned all of the shelves." | | | | shelf. |
| I remember those words of wisdom. Just a week ago | | | | Needless to say I returned to the office supply store |
| I was shopping for office supplies and scanned the | | | | and immediately walked to the clearance section. I |
| clearance shelf for hidden treasures at bargain prices. | | | | found five packages exactly like the package I |
| My eyes stopped on a box for custom stamps. The | | | | purchased last week so I took immediate action and |
| retail price was $19.99 and the clearance price was | | | | purchased all five packages. It was as if I had seen |
| $11.50. As I read the contents of the kit and the | | | | something that other people had overlooked. |
| directions, I was struck with the question, "Why are | | | | You may be wondering why I would be willing to pay |
| these stamp kits on the clearance shelf?" | | | | 58 cents for stamps when I can buy them for 44 |
| My decision to purchase one box of twenty stamps | | | | cents. My reason is simple. The stamps I order will be |
| was out of curiosity. Twenty stamps for $11.50 | | | | my choice rather than standard post office stamps. I |
| seemed like a reasonable price for 1st class postage. | | | | saw the idea and opportunity to create a unique |
| Instead of 44 cents per stamp, the cost would be 58 | | | | product for a minimal investment. |
| cents. It was a small price to pay for custom stamps | | | | Just a few days ago I read an article in a local |
| where I could select one of my own photos as the | | | | newspaper, Words of Wisdom. One of the quotes |
| face of the stamp. | | | | caught my attention and my hope is that it will also |
| With my laptop and stamp kit, I immediately went to | | | | cause you to think. |
| work after I arrived home. When I typed in the | | | | "Some people dream of success, while others wake |
| promotional code for the kit and proceeded to the | | | | up and word hard at it." It seemed to be a generic |
| checkout page, the final price due was zero. The | | | | statement upon first glance, however, as I thought |
| stamps I ordered were 44 cent stamps even though | | | | about it I realized a deeper meaning. |
| the kit indicated 42 cents. That's when I realized why | | | | Ideas and dreams are catalysts for opportunities. The |
| the stamp kits were in the clearance section. | | | | question that remains is this one. Will you take the next |
| Apparently a quick decision had been made to clear | | | | step beyond where you are to think for yourself or will |
| out the old products and restock the shelves with new | | | | you be satisfied to let others think for you? |
| products. | | | | |