Getting the Better Deal

You know that your gym is always offering better deals to newcomers than they're giving to people who have been going there for years. But have you ever called them and tried to get the new-person deal? It's impossible. You're better off leaving the gym and then going back as a new person, but they always have a rule where they won't let you get away with that. Cable companies, on the other hand, you can always strong-arm into giving you the newcomer deal. It only works if you have two cable companies who can offer you the same service. You don't even have to threaten to leave, you just tell them that you're going to call the other guys to see what they'll offer, and they'll offer you anything to keep you on the phone. It's nice to benefit from competition and hold all the cards in at least one aspect of my life.