In a shocking but rather graceful mishap, rookie shipper, Tom “Two-Left-Feet” Thompson, took the concept of lead time a bit too literally.
Upon hearing that the amount of lead time impacts the price he pays, Thompson decided that the best way to get a great shipping deal was to tango his way into savings. But alas, it seems he misunderstood the term.
Armed with a rose between his teeth, Tom arrived at the office of his top female client, ready to impress with his dancing prowess and secure that perfect lead time. However, things could have gone better.
“I thought lead time meant, like, lead your partner in a dance,” confessed a mortified Thompson. “So, I signed us both up for tango classes. I thought I could dance my way to better shipping rates!”
His client, an astute businesswoman with an unexpected knack for the Argentine Tango, was as surprised as she was amused. “I knew he was new to shipping, but this is a first,” she chuckled. “He had the passion, but his technique needs work.”
Despite Thompson’s dance floor disaster, the story has a happy ending. The duo laughed their way through a rather unorthodox negotiation and reached an agreement that was music to both their ears.
Transportation industry veterans are now joking that “lead time” should include a caution: “No dance skills required.”
As for Tom, he’s taking the incident in stride. “I may not have nailed the tango, but I got a great shipping deal, and my client got a good laugh. Plus, I’ve signed up for more dance classes!”
So, the next time you hear about lead time in shipping, remember Tom’s tale and keep your dance shoes in the closet. Unless, of course, you’re looking to add a little rhythm to your business relationships. In that case, tango on!
*All the posts on this website are pure imagination of writers, and they never happened. They are here for fun purposes only and not to give you advice. Keep your smile and stay healthy. Do not read while driving! Listen to our podcast instead 🙂
