I Will Teach You to Be Rich: No Guilt. No Excuses. No B.S. Just a 6-Week Program That Works.

by Ramit Sethi

You: Hi. I noticed that my current checking account has fees. I’d like my account to have no annual fees, free checking, and no minimum balance, please. Bank rep: I’m really sorry, but we don’t offer that kind of account anymore. You: Really? That’s interesting, because [competitor] is offering me that exact deal right now. Could you check again and tell me which comparable accounts you offer? (Eighty percent of the time, you’ll get a great account at this point. If not, ask for a supervisor.) Supervisor: Hi, how can I help you? You: (Repeat argument from the beginning. If the supervisor doesn’t give you an option, add this:) Look, I’ve been a customer for X years, and I want to find a way to make this work. Plus, I know that your customer-acquisition cost runs hundreds of dollars. What can you do to help me stay a customer? Supervisor: What an astounding coincidence. My computer is suddenly allowing me to offer the exact account you asked for! You: Why, thank you, kind sir. (Sip Darjeeling tea.)