The Scratch Beneath the Handle

Rami advertised his old coffee machine because it was too large for his kitchen. He photographed it from the front, where it looked almost new. A buyer offered the full asking price and arranged to collect it after work on Thursday.

While cleaning the machine, Rami noticed a deep scratch beneath the handle. He remembered causing it during a move, but had forgotten it when writing the advertisement. The machine worked properly, and the scratch was difficult to see. He wondered whether mentioning it would create an unnecessary problem.

He took a close photograph and sent it to the buyer before she travelled. She thanked him, then asked for a lower price. Rami felt an immediate flash of regret. Still, he explained how he had chosen the original price and offered a smaller reduction. She agreed to come and examine it without promising to buy.

On Thursday, she tested the machine, looked at the scratch and accepted the revised price. As she carried it away, Rami realised that telling her had made the meeting easier. He had not needed to watch where she looked or hurry her through the test. The empty space on his kitchen counter felt useful, and so did the end of that small argument with himself.