The day I paid a RedBull thrice it's price

Nothing is worth paying more than it's actual value.

The day I paid a RedBull thrice it's price
The first rule of leadership is taking personal responsibility for every mistake.

Gool, a shop found in Beau Bassin, is known to be open 24/7. During early morning rush, people flock to buy anything from newspapers to freshly made loaves.

The shop is located in Gool Square, recently built, consisting of several boutiques and restaurants including Dominoes Pizza opened a few months earlier.

Until recently, I had a positive experience with the shop. Among other items, an array of dishes including Chicken and Egg Fried Rice, is also sold. The quality of food hits the middle ground.

In Project Management, there is concept stating - between Good, Fast and Cheap, you can only choose two.

I also heard, however, that they charge high prices for certain non perishable products such as non alcoholic drinks. I don't know the prices as I rarely buy soft or energy drinks. I prefer consuming water, coffee and green tea.


The day I bought the RedBull, I was recuperating from illness. It was still before noon, yet I felt exhausted. I wanted such a drink to boost my energy levels, even for an hour or two - the time needed for me to complete a handful of tasks for the day.

As I entered the shop, I requested the drink before paying with a Rs 200 bill. They returned me a Rs 50 bill. Perplexed, I told both Gool and his son that I gave them a Rs 200 bill. They replied affirmative. I then asked the item's price. Rs 150 they answered. I confirmed with both father and son. That was indeed the price.

At that moment, I could have given any excuse to return the drink; I could for example say that I did not bring enough money with me and shall therefore not take it - or I could have been blunt, and tell them that their price was far too expensive - almost thrice the price sold in supermarkets.

In front of Gool store, was a smaller shop where similar drinks including RedBull was also sold. I imagine the price would have been far cheaper. Once I refused and asked for them to return my drink, I would have cross the street and buy one from there.

I, however, did nothing. Even though I was surprised, I badly needed energy. I wanted to lay down and rest but needed to complete a couple of important tasks. I felt weak, too weak to walk away.

Walking away in life is the best way to deal with unreasonable expectations or conditions from another party.

Sometimes we have time to think before getting into an agreement. Other times, however, we don't have enough time to react, as was my case.

In these situations, we should trust our intuition of the moment and respond according to it. My initial feelings when they returned my money was to ship their product back. I should have stood up for myself as the price was unfair.


That's the biggest lesson I learnt in 2018. To refuse to compromise on unfair practices, being vocal about it and to walk away.

In the journey of life, looking for a Win Win situation is difficult. If a compromise does not suit you, be courageous and walk away; even in face of rejection or ridicule.