Got Fit
After looking through numerous ads on the Internet, I contacted the owner of salvaged Honda Fit. He was honest enough to post before- and after- (of damage repairs) pictures, and the price was very low for the low mileage.
I found out that the seller was actually a Honda part shop which has repaired the totaled vehicle from an insurance company. Their main business is so called JDM (Japan Domestic Market) parts. I had to look up what the heck JDM was and then figured that translates to what I would call "ricemobile".
Anyways, the guy seemed to know what he was talking about and was honest. He told me that insurance companies estimate cost of repairing damaged cars based on dealer official price. So often a vehicle with large body damages, even when inside the hood was not affected, is totaled.
Along with the new car, I have found a mechanic (the seller) who can take care of it in the future. It also feels good that I have done a business with another small business in the same city with Snappy's.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
I found out that the seller was actually a Honda part shop which has repaired the totaled vehicle from an insurance company. Their main business is so called JDM (Japan Domestic Market) parts. I had to look up what the heck JDM was and then figured that translates to what I would call "ricemobile".
Anyways, the guy seemed to know what he was talking about and was honest. He told me that insurance companies estimate cost of repairing damaged cars based on dealer official price. So often a vehicle with large body damages, even when inside the hood was not affected, is totaled.
Along with the new car, I have found a mechanic (the seller) who can take care of it in the future. It also feels good that I have done a business with another small business in the same city with Snappy's.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Used car shopping
I have been visiting craigslist, kijiji and a few Japanese sites to look for a used car as my current Honda is getting old.
As I read numerous ads, I began sensing different intentions between lines; some are very honest while some others are, well, not so honest. Honest ones list good features as well as some undesirable ones, such as:
"There is a dent on passenger size door. Please see the picture."
"This car does NOT have cruise control."
I was interested in the car on this add:
"Need to sell this car. It runs perfectly. I got this for my wife. She wants keep her Mercedez. Brand New Tires From Costco. Have Receipt. It has a lot of options including built in bluetooth for your cell phone.
Available for seeing in XYZ Area. No Lowballers please. Cash Only Local Pickup. NO LOW BALLERS OR FLAKES PLEASE."
Thought it was strange for him to mention a personal/family situation, but I know some people ask the reason for selling the car. Unlike most of other ads, it did not include description of car spec such as engine size and transmission type. Tires and bluetooth mentioned are rather fringe gadgets, at least for me.
I emailed the owner, and a lady wrote me back with her phone number. She sounded nice, and we agreed to meet. She unfortunately could not come to the meeting place, so her brother was there instead. He basically repeated what the ad said; new tires from Costco and his sister's wanting to keep her previous car. I guess that Mercedez story is true.
While I was test-driving he was busy checking out the Bluetooth function and realizing the MP3 player. From the car, using the Bluetooth of course, he called his sister to answer my questions:
Q. Where did you buy the car from?
A. Some dealer in Stockton (about 50 miles away.)
Q. Do you have receipts of repairs/maintenance?
A. She has the pink slip and Carfax report.
(My thought: that's public info.)
Q. I noticed some scratch on the front bumper, and the bumper is lose. What happened?
A. She doesn't know.
(My thought: a dealer would at least clean up such minor cosmetic problems when selling a used car.)
After the test-drive, I also noticed the car was not carrying a spare tire. It is not expensive (compared to car price) for me to buy, but I felt this seller would not care whatsoever would happen to me or car after they receive the cash.
There was one feature of the car I did not care for either. So I declined to pursue further.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
As I read numerous ads, I began sensing different intentions between lines; some are very honest while some others are, well, not so honest. Honest ones list good features as well as some undesirable ones, such as:
"There is a dent on passenger size door. Please see the picture."
"This car does NOT have cruise control."
I was interested in the car on this add:
"Need to sell this car. It runs perfectly. I got this for my wife. She wants keep her Mercedez. Brand New Tires From Costco. Have Receipt. It has a lot of options including built in bluetooth for your cell phone.
Available for seeing in XYZ Area. No Lowballers please. Cash Only Local Pickup. NO LOW BALLERS OR FLAKES PLEASE."
Thought it was strange for him to mention a personal/family situation, but I know some people ask the reason for selling the car. Unlike most of other ads, it did not include description of car spec such as engine size and transmission type. Tires and bluetooth mentioned are rather fringe gadgets, at least for me.
I emailed the owner, and a lady wrote me back with her phone number. She sounded nice, and we agreed to meet. She unfortunately could not come to the meeting place, so her brother was there instead. He basically repeated what the ad said; new tires from Costco and his sister's wanting to keep her previous car. I guess that Mercedez story is true.
While I was test-driving he was busy checking out the Bluetooth function and realizing the MP3 player. From the car, using the Bluetooth of course, he called his sister to answer my questions:
Q. Where did you buy the car from?
A. Some dealer in Stockton (about 50 miles away.)
Q. Do you have receipts of repairs/maintenance?
A. She has the pink slip and Carfax report.
(My thought: that's public info.)
Q. I noticed some scratch on the front bumper, and the bumper is lose. What happened?
A. She doesn't know.
(My thought: a dealer would at least clean up such minor cosmetic problems when selling a used car.)
After the test-drive, I also noticed the car was not carrying a spare tire. It is not expensive (compared to car price) for me to buy, but I felt this seller would not care whatsoever would happen to me or car after they receive the cash.
There was one feature of the car I did not care for either. So I declined to pursue further.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Same discount, different perception
At barber's blog (in Japanese), the female author wondered why their male customers seem to be hesitant to use coupons.
My own interpretation is that men, in general, tend to use income level to measure up themselves and each other compared to women do. They may feel insecure with utilizing discount program in public. Maybe that's why we do not see too many men with Sunday-paper-coupons at grocery stores.
But I would not say men do not like to save money. The coffee shop I work at offers to add $2 when a customer purchases a $20 gift card. In this way, the act of purchasing is more focused on than receiving discount.
In my observation, male customers tend to say "I would like to put $20 on a gift card" and hand me a credit card or cash. They rarely mention the $2 we add. We inform the $2 credit when handing back the card, and they would say "thank you."
On the other hand, female customers would say "I can get this $22 card for $20, right?" and may also say something like "That's a good deal!"
Stereotype does not apply all the time, but making observation and trying to understand the psychology behind is interesting and possibly beneficial to a business.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
My own interpretation is that men, in general, tend to use income level to measure up themselves and each other compared to women do. They may feel insecure with utilizing discount program in public. Maybe that's why we do not see too many men with Sunday-paper-coupons at grocery stores.
But I would not say men do not like to save money. The coffee shop I work at offers to add $2 when a customer purchases a $20 gift card. In this way, the act of purchasing is more focused on than receiving discount.
In my observation, male customers tend to say "I would like to put $20 on a gift card" and hand me a credit card or cash. They rarely mention the $2 we add. We inform the $2 credit when handing back the card, and they would say "thank you."
On the other hand, female customers would say "I can get this $22 card for $20, right?" and may also say something like "That's a good deal!"
Stereotype does not apply all the time, but making observation and trying to understand the psychology behind is interesting and possibly beneficial to a business.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Construction began
As the city has granted the permit, Hammer along with my landlord Wayne started supervising the construction. I met them and Sunny, the architect, today at the site to confirm we are on the same page. Sunny also got electrical and plumbing information from Hammer to share with his engineer.
I visited rental movie shop next door after the meeting just to introduce myself. The owner or the manager was not there, but I talked to the clerk. I would have to visit there again when the manager is around and also Japanese and Italian restaurants across the street.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
I visited rental movie shop next door after the meeting just to introduce myself. The owner or the manager was not there, but I talked to the clerk. I would have to visit there again when the manager is around and also Japanese and Italian restaurants across the street.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Bank account
As "Snappy's Cafe" has became official in the county, I was finally able to set up a bank account for the business. Alice, who has been consulting me on banking and loans, helped me to fill out the application at her office. Now I am waiting for a debit card and checks with "Snappy's Cafe" on.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
eOn Coffee, Hayward California
Writing this blog entry at eOn Coffee a few miles from my house.
I like this place because:
1. They roast their own beans, and drink is delish!
2. Store is always kept clean and organized.
3. Workers are very polite.
I ordered Extra Fancy Kona drip, this month's special. It was whopping $3.75 for 12oz (compared to regular drip $1.65 and latte $3.00 in same size) but was worth it. The balance between its acidity and bitterness was very good, and caffeine level must be high. I only needed one cup to fill slight jitter (and I drink A LOT of coffee.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
View from the other side of screen
I have been feeling this blog is boring without any graphic. Since my camera is broken and that I have been using Mr. Lion's iBook, I have not been able to upload any pictures. I will try to make it more fun to look at (and fun for me to update.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
