Updated May 30, 2021
Not too long ago someone came to me and was angry because they went to a local store to buy something, but were not allowed in because he forgot his mask. He asked to get one, and even though they had extras, they refused. Sad thing is that he was willing to spend a few thousand dollars that day. At the time, I didn’t really think anything of it.
Forgetting My Mask
Not too long after, I took my family on vacation to Pennsylvania. We had a blast! But I noticed something when I forgot to bring my face mask to the store.
I didn’t need to go back to the car, the store had a mask for me!
Then, it hit me. This store could have lost over $100 of our business, but instead they opted to keep a 15¢ face mask on hand for people like me…
The mask could have cost them 15¢. However, it earned them over $100 in business!
This can apply for almost any business, including restaurants, legal offices, anywhere where you have to go into.
How Does the Face Mask Math Work?
Right before I started writing this article, I went to Amazon and found 3000 face masks for $139.99. That averages out to 14.29¢ per mask (pre tax)!
Depending on your business, having masks readily available can save you a lot of money!
What if you’re a legal firm and an average client can bring you $2,500. Why, oh why, wouldn’t you have face masks on hand?! It’s almost as if you don’t like money!
This Is NOT Face Mask Politics
Politics has nothing to do with this. It doesn’t matter where you lie on the political spectrum because, as a consumer, I couldn’t care less about what you think about it.
The bottom line is that if you don’t have a face mask for me, and I forgot mine, I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.
If you don’t care about that, that’s ok. But when it starts to add up, and you’re losing client after client, customer after customer, we’ll see if your political stance comes out to save your business.
Hint, they wont. Neither side cares about you. Remember that. But, I digress.
Being Petty Over a Mask
Here’s another story for you.
I went to a popular Hot Dog joint, but I forgot my mask. The mask mandate by this time has lessened, and no one gave me any issues going into a building without a mask.
However, after I placed my order (maintaining my distance even with the protective screen), I noticed time slowing down. Order after order, people were getting their food. I was still waiting. Finally, the young lady called my name.
She reminded me to bring a mask, I told her I forgot. She seemed very annoyed. She handed me my food and she apologized the wait, with a somewhat gratified look on her face.
It may have been nothing, however, with the tension between mask wearers, it made me feel that she made me wait on purpose. She didn’t offer me a mask, she simply assumed I purposefully didn’t take my mask.
I can’t prove it, but I have a feeling that’s what it was. My order was really simple, no customizations. I wont be back for a very long time.
The Reality
Everything can be avoided if you simply offer people a mask if they don’t have one. Don’t assume their intentions. It’s business. Unless you want to lose more of it, let feelings dictate your business model. In the end, it’s your choice, I understand. But it’s just a mask. Offer it and get the business. Easy, right?