I learned that Jeffrey Henning (@JHenning) of Vovici and I have something in common – we both have 16 year olds at home. I was recounting a recent story, and decided to share, you know – for the market research implications.

My eldest has been studying hard lately. I was on my way home, and decided to pop into a Pizza place to pick up for him and his friend who was over at our house studying w/him.

Price/Inventory: If you call ahead, a large veggie pizza goes for $7.99. As it turned out, they they had one under the warmer, except that it was missing 2 slices.

Conversation with Pizza Guy:

• Me says: I’ll take that partial large pizza (6 slices) instead of 8 slices … And pay $7.99.
• Pizza dude: sorry, I have to charge you $2.25 per slice (x 6 = $13.50).
• Me says: but I’ll pay you full price for only 75% of that pizza.
• Pizza dude: sorry, if you want a whole pizza –  I can make one for you in 15 minutes.
• Me says: thanks, but sorry dude, gotta go.
  

So how much is 75% of a pizza worth?

Technically, I think he was correct, and I admired his holding the party line on the “pay per slice” take-out-premium-pricing model. Yet, it was an interesting Customer Service experience – since the opportunity to generate a guaranteed $8, and still have another full pie out within 15 minutes (on a not so busy night) was lost.

Mr. Pizza Dude, I will be back again, and might even call ahead next time.