A Competition Shoes, Inc. ad reads: “We know what it takes to keep you running. Marc Mulletini looked at his running shoes and knew they only had a couple of kilometers left in them. Marc had only recently taken up running, but he was now addicted and ge

Question:

A Competition Shoes, Inc. ad reads: ‘We know what it takes to keep you running. Marc Mulletini looked at his running shoes and knew they only had a couple of kilometers left in them. Marc had only recently taken up running, but he was now addicted and generally ran 25 to 30 kilometers a week. He realized that his running shoes were not high quality, and now that he was a serious runner, he wanted the proper equipment and that meant better shoes. He decided to see if Competition Shoes had what he needed. That night, he went to the store: Salesperson: Hello, what can I help you with this evening? Buyer: I am looking for a new pair of running shoes. Salesperson: Do you have a particular shoe you would like to try on? Buyer: To be honest with you, I’ve been running for only three months, and I don’t know very much about running shoes. Salesperson: How much do you run a week? Buyer: I’m up to about 30 kilometers. Salesperson: That’s a lot of running for a beginner. Do you plan to compete in the future? Buyer: Well, I started running for exercise, as so many people do, but I really enjoy running, and I would like to prove to myself that I can finish a marathon. Salesperson: So you would like to compete. Buyer: Come to think of it. I guess I would. Salesperson: Where do you do most of your running: on a track, grass, or pavement? Buyer: There is a high-school track a few blocks from my house, but I have to run on the street to get there and back. Salesperson: Mr. Mulletini, I have two shoes that I believe will work very well for you (showing Marc two shoes from the display). This Nike shoe is very sturdy and generally holds up well for people who put in as many kilometers as you do each week. This Big Paw Olympian (showing Marc the other shoe) is just as sturdy and has this wide, vibration-reducing heel. This heel will save your feet and legs a lot of stress. It is specially made for running on hard surfaces. Buyer: I’ll try on the Olympian model. I’ll probably need a size 10. (The salesperson gets the shoes, and Marc tries them on.) Salesperson: How do they feel? Buyer: Great! (realizing the differences between these shoes and his old pair). I’ll take them. Salesperson: That’s wonderful! I know they will suit your needs. Now come over here, I want to show you our new, thick, runners socks. With your running schedule, I think you will need three pairs of new socks. If you were looking for a new pair of running shoes, would you have bought them from this salesperson? Why or why not?