I’ll confess right here at the beginning of this short article, the concept of the Good Guy Discount is not mine. A few months ago I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) when a fascinating episode about the Good Guy Discount aired. During the show one staffer at NPR challenges another to try to get a Good Guy Discount at various retail stores. The concept is that if you have a positive, funny, and upbeat attitude while asking for a discount that often you will receive one. The trick is in how you do the asking as it takes a lot of joking and humor for it to work.
That same morning I heard the episode, I went to eat breakfast at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP). I had just arrived in Florida from Denver Colorado. I was asking the waitress about options for omelets at IHOP and she recommended the Denver Omelet (which they call the Colorado Omelet). I made a joke to the waitress that since I was new to Florida and from Denver Colorado that IHOP should offer a special Good Guy Discount to me as a welcome to Florida gift. The waitress replied she didn’t think she could give me a discount, but she would ask the manager. Later she returned and said she could give me a 15% discount. We joked about Colorado, the omelet and breakfast in general. But, I’m of the opinion that the humor of just asking for the discount with a lame excuse is exactly what got me the discount. I was hooked, and wanted to try it again.
What followed was a string of experiences. I’m guessing I get a discount about one out of three times I ask so I suspect I’m doing a bit better than the NPR statistics where those in the radio program were getting discounts about one out of five times. So far I’ve had free desserts, up to 20% off apparel and upgrades on portion sizes. Mostly it is just fun to joke with service people to brighten a monotonous boring day at work with something to be just a little bit different. I don’t really care at all if I get a discount; mostly I just like seeing the staff smile and laugh at me just for asking. It is fun for all involved and occasionally I score something nice. It is a win-win for all involved.
Good Guy Discounts I’ve Received:
- 15% off Denver Omelet at IHOP
- 20% off Adidas athletic jacket and pants at Sports Authority ($20 savings)
- Free desert at Outback Steakhouse (with bonus birthday song although not my birthday)
- $15 off Dockers pants at Sears
