Wherein I'm rewarded for something people should be doing anyway.

[Mr Hero]

I was at my favorite Subway today. It's my favorite for a reason. The staff is always polite. The assistant manager (AM in this story) is cute, but that's merely a side bonus.

I'm greeted by one of the other managers who knows my usual order. Today I go with something different and order one of my favorite premium sandwiches. I go to check out and find it odd that I'm charged about a dollar less than what I usually pay for it.

I wait for a lull in business before I step up to the cash register.
Me: This is going to sound a little weird, but I found it odd that my total came up to about a dollar less than what you usually charge me. I know it's not a large amount, but I don't want your drawer to be short.
AM: I took 10% off your meal.
Me: Thank you, but why? I wouldn't think I'd be that special to deserve it.
AM: You're one of our regulars and you're always polite.
Me: Thank you. I thought I should clear it with you just in case it was a mistake.

I feel obligated now to submit a comment on their website. I think a good chunk of those comments they see are negative. I'll conveniently leave out the detail about the discount to avoid any potential problems. I don't want anyone getting in trouble.

[Bright_Star]

You get good stuff when you're nice. That's how it should be.

[smileyeagle1021]

that sounds a bit like a local burger place I go to... I have never asked for a discount, nor have I ever received one... but I've noticed quite a few times when the counter person has 'accidentally' given me a larger size drink than what I've paid for our 'accidentally' gives a free upsize on fries. One day I asked why when I didn't see him do that for any other regulars, and his response was "because you're the only one who doesn't demand them".

[Mr Hero]

So I made good on my promise in my original post and left a comment for the store just after I made that edit. I went in today and wow. Just wow. My favorite AM takes my order and then rings me up only to find out she comped my sammich! I still had to pay for chips and a drink, but still a free sandwich is great. She then thanked me for the comment I left, and handed me two vouchers for free 6-in subs.

Since she happens to be the same lady from here next logical step would be to only use a voucher when she's cashiering and write my number on the voucher before handing it over to her.

If I had to write a book on getting reduced prices at places, THIS would be the type of advice I offer with a disclaimer at the front of the book advising readers that it's important not to expect or demand free stuff but when it is given, accept graciously.