Like all good things, this post starts with a story.
At work last night I approached a guy who had been ogling me, we'll call him "Dorkface." I chatted him up for a minute, and asked him if he'd like some dances. Dorkface was pretty buzzed but in no way inebriated, and he consented to come with me to the back room where we do our dances. We got there right as a song was beginning, and Dorkface claimed to "really like this song" and seemed really eager for me to start dancing RIGHT NOW. So... I didn't collect up front as I usually do. This was stupid of me, and probably should have sent up a red flag, but I ignored it.Stupid, stupid, stupid. I'll admit that I've had a good run of non rip-off customers lately, and I've slackened the vigilance. This is a good lesson to collect up front, not just to me, but to everybody. Well, especially to me, because I needed to check myself. But anyway...
After 4 dances I asked him for $120. He seemed to want to continue but I didn't want to stack MORE dances, and I knew I had already stacked more than I should have. And Dorkface, he looked at me like I had three heads. "Money?" He said, "Whaaaaat?" Gah. He had seemed normal, a young guy, cute for a frat-boy type, was a native English speaker, not conspicuously weird or crazy, had been drinking but not more so than the usual customer, etc., but he was refusing to pay me. His reason? "I thought they were free." Gah.
But I have been a loyal disciple of SW for some time now and I have a whole arsenal of tricks I've picked up, so I swooped down and yanked off his New Balance sneaker. "Now that I've got some collateral," I said, "We can start negotiating properly."
Thus, it is with gratitude and humility that I report that, when Dorkface was escorted out of the club several moments later, he was wearing both of his shoes.
Thank you, Molly.
Anyone else care to share a story about a SW tip working like a charm?



Stupid, stupid, stupid. I'll admit that I've had a good run of non rip-off customers lately, and I've slackened the vigilance. This is a good lesson to collect up front, not just to me, but to everybody. Well, especially to me, because I needed to check myself. But anyway...
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That is awesome! I remember reading that tip from Molly, too - I have yet to use it, but I definitely will now that it's been road tested by another! Right on.
I believe you Dottie and you have my support
I could have used this info last night. I got money up front for the first dance, but after the 2nd, I had to run up on stage. I didn't get the money for the second one up front and all he had was $100 bills. 


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