Here is an example of why my business is failing. I dug up a few instruments from the store room that have been collecting dust. These are the Chinese junk instruments I picked up a few years ago and nobody liked. But they're doing me no good on the shelf. I pulled a couple out and stuck them in the window. Brand new trumpet. Still in the wrapper. Ten dollars! That's around 97% off of list price ($300, and needless to say significantly less than my original cost). AS-IS. Clearance.

I had several people inquire about the ten dollar trumpet today. Here are some of the comments I received...

Is it any good? (You're joking right? Why do you think it's 97% off?).

Do you have anything cheaper? (Why yes, actually I do. You can have a used one for $5.) No, I mean do you have any new ones that are cheaper? (No, sorry, but I don't).

I've never heard of this brand before... (it's ten freaking bucks, why do you care?)

Do you have anything cheaper?

Where are these made? (I believe they are made in China). Do you have any trumpets made in USA? (Why yes I do, they are over here). Good, I take one. (Great, that will be $492.38 after tax). No, I give you $10 for USA trumpet. (Sorry, but the only one selling for $10 is the Chinese trumpet.) No thank you.

Do you have anything cheaper?

You have Yamaha? (Sorry, I don't). You get me Yamaha OK? (Sorry, but I can't.) Call me when you have Yamaha. I bring you ten dollars. OK? (Right).

Do you have anything cheaper?

At the end of the day, the ten dollar trumpet was still sitting in the window. I'd mark it down to $5 just to get rid of the infernal thing but I already know the first question that will be asked - Do you have anything cheaper?