James...

Two nights ago I was on my way home from work probably about 11-nish. I soon realised my car needs a fill up of petrol otherwise I would likely find myself pushing the car home (not something I would like to try, believe me).

There was this usual petrol station I drop by for petrol every time my car needs a gas up. Normally every time I am there to gas up, I usually see the usual familiar faces who work the night shift but that night it was different. There was a new guy on the job.

I noticed him when he walked over to my pump when I was swiping in my credit card into the pump. I was surprised when he walked up to me to ask if the machine works explaining to me some of the pumps in the station had a tendency of having glitches when it comes to accepting credit cards. I gladly expressed my appreciation for his concern in ensuring my credit card transaction went through and went on with filling up my car's petrol tank.

Then he said, "You want to know a tip on how you can save petrol and get more mileage out of your car?"

I can't say I was interested but I figured it was worth listening to him. I was in no hurry and a 15 minute conversation with a petrol station attendant couldn't possibly kill me.

So I replied, "Sure, I'd like to know how I can get more out of my petrol."

Then he goes on explaining to me the details of which I am not going to bore you with. Basically, at the end of the conversation, he quickly walks into the petrol station shop and shows me a bottle of petrol additive and basically tries to sell me that bottle of additive.

I had a sneaky feeling he was going to try to sell me something at the end of it. Nothing taken against him. He was doing his job. I really didn't think I needed it since my car is already in tip top condition so I politely turned him down. I thanked him for taking the time to explain to me on the fuel saving tip and asked his name. He was James.

I filled up and went on to pump the air of my car tyres. As I finished pumping the tyres I called out to James, "Hey James, how much is one of those bottles?"

"28 dollars"

"I'll take one mate!"

He quickly runs in and takes a bottle for me and I pay James.

Then I said, "I like you James. I'd be honest with you I can get the exact same bottle for a couple more dollar cheaper from my usual spare part supplier but I'll take it from you since you took the time and effort."

I spotted the smile on his face as he thanked me.

Listening to a guy explain to me how I could save petrol cost me 15 minutes of my time. Buying the bottle of petrol additive cost me 28 bucks. Putting a smile on someone's face..... priceless.