The Minibar Experience
“We're still in the first minutes of the first day of the Internet revolution.” – Scott Cook
About a week ago, I found myself on a trip to attend an IT conference. The sessions were highly informative, and not too surprisingly, the most popular presentations (and well-attended) were related to artificial intelligence.
Given that I started business travel in my early 20s when I was hired to officiate Div. I men’s basketball, I’ve learned many techniques to save money, and here are a couple of them:
I pack a large water bottle in my carry-on suitcase. As you may know, hotels are notorious for charging premium rates for bottled water, and the nearby convenience stores do not offer water for much cheaper. My approach is to request ice cubes at the restaurant or bar, and I fill-up the bottle in the fitness room where it is free.
Whenever possible, I stay at hotels equipped with business lounges that can be accessed by priority members, such as the M Club offered by some of the Marriotts. Here you will find sodas and coffee, so there is no need to purchase these pricey items. Also, if you are attending a business function, it’s likely that canned drinks and snacks are offered. You can also take them to your room to enjoy later in the day.
These are just two examples, but my referee friends have shared many other tips that have led to huge cost-savings over the past 30+ years of travel.
The Minibar Experience
Up to this point, it may sound like I have a good handle of nearly anything that might arise during a hotel stay.
But … unfortunately, I learned something new while at the conference, something that surprised me quite a bit.
During a break session, I grabbed an extra two Diet Cokes and took them to my room. There were plenty to go around, and we paid a hefty sum for this training event.
When I reached my room after 5 pm, I removed two sodas from the cold minibar and put my Diet Cokes in their place. I’ve done this before many times, and it has never caused an issue.
However, I was unaware that minibar technology has advanced quite a bit in recent years. You see … this small refrigerator unit has sensors, and it can detect a weight change, such as when drinks are removed.
I was also surprised when the minibar attendant came by about an hour later to refill the fridge. I suppose they receive a notification, probably on an app, that there has been an event (i.e., change) in the guest’s minibar, and this is a good opportunity to make more sales.
The Surprise Checkout
I had an early flight on departure day, but I gave myself enough time to do an in-person checkout so that I could request my bill. Something told me that a minibar charge might appear.
I was right!
I was charged an additional $24! Your math is right… $12 for each Diet Coke!
The front desk agent could not resolve the issue on her own, and it did not seem like she believed my story of exchanging my own Diet Coke.
Eventually, the third shift manager was summoned, and I said, “Sir, I’ve done some crazy things over my lifetime, but I have never paid $12 for a Diet Coke!”
Convinced that I was being truthful and there was no possible way I would purchase such a ridiculously priced carbonated drink, he responded, “Do not worry, Mr. Flores. I will remove this charge from your account. You’re all set!”
After this experience, I’m starting to wonder and am somewhat concerned about what else these small refrigerator units can sense. Ha!
See you next week, my friend!
Inspiring Quotes
“The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.” – B. F. Skinner
“Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.” – Gertrude Stein
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: How will technology give you peace of mind?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.