The worry of buying a clock A couple loved an old-fashioned clock in an ad of a magazine. The wife said:” It is the most beautiful clock I’ve ever seen! It would be fine if we put it in our sitting room!” The husband said:” Yes! But the ad didn’t mark the price. We don’t know how much does it cost.” They decided to buy the clock at no more than 500 dollars. After three months’ search, they finally saw the clock in a antique exhibition. But the price tag said: 750 dollars. The wife said:” Forget it. It exceeds our budget by 50%.” The husband said:” Let’s have a try and see whether we can make the price lower a bit or not.” They made the husband as the negotiator to try to buy the clock at the price of 500 dollars. The husband plucked up courage and said to the salesman:” I noticed that you have the clock to sell and I saw the price tag stuck on the base. It is covered with dust. Obviously, the clock doesn’t sell well.” The wife echoed:” That’s right.” The salesman silenced. Getting the courage, the husband continued:” I can buy it. I offer a no-bargain price.” He paused to heighten the effect:” Listen, 250 dollars.” The salesman answered without a blink of an eye:” Deal! The clock is yours!” What was the first reaction of the husband? Is it “ How great I am! I got the clock at such a low price!” ? Actually his initial reaction is:” How stupid I am! I should have offered 150 dollars!” And then he thought:” The clock should be heavy and why it is so light? Is there any quality problem?” They put the clock in the sitting room and it matched the room and looked very beautiful. The clock went quick accurately. But the couple always felt uneasy. That night they got up three times because they were sure that they didn’t hear the sound of the clock. This situation lasted for numerous sleepless nights. Questions: 1. The couple bought the satisfied goods at the price of half of their budget. Why weren’t they happy” 2. What didn’t the salesman do well in the transaction? 3. Is it a negotiation?