"Lobby Dosser" wrote in message
news:eknyf.907$MG1.668@trnddc05...
"Leo Lichtman" wrote:


"Lobby Dosser" wrote: How old was the tree?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ha-ha. That question is valid only if you were the one who planted
it.

Seriously, though, try to put yourself in the customer's place. It's
a valid question, stemming from interest and curiosity, probably,
rather than haggling strategy. A reasonable answer would be, "It
varies a lot, depending on the bowl, and a lot of factors--could go
from half a day to a week, sometimes."




It's also an Odd question and, it seems to me, somewhat rude. Say you
were buying a hand knit scarf, would you ask how long it took to make it?
How long did it take to make that sandwich? Etc. I might ask someone How
they did something and not be bothered if they didn't want to discuss it

Honor the customer. Give a straight answer. I generally give a close
estimate, followed by "but I have been doing them for twenty years." Give
them credit for something, after all, they're looking at stuff in your
booth, aren't they? Must have good taste....