In each of these, and every case where a deal is being made, we are seeing a set of standards that are never static, because they can change by adding or subtracting detail to or from them, and so there becomes a socially and generally accepted set of rules that govern fair trade. They are not black and white, and depending upon the knowledge each trader has when he enters into the deal, determines how much he perceives the standard to change. Two different people may see the two red apples differently; one may like a browning apple more than his neighbor, and argue that its flavor should be worth more than the one which is not as ripe. Which apple is the better apple? Why can’t I get the older fork at a reduced price?
This dynamic standard that people socially accept, applies as well to computers. For example, in the above computer scenario, if I charged my client for one hour, but worked five in order to show good faith in my work on his computer, he may have felt the trade was justified, perhaps even rationalizing that my fee was merely for consultation, having paid me “much less” than the job was perceived to be worth. On the other hand, if I charged 100 times more than I had, but repaired the computer, he may have argued that I certainly overcharged him, and although satisfied the job was a success, would never have recommended me nor hired me again.
Anyone’s success therefore is a perceived notion, and any trading must be perceived likewise, even when the trading that took place, might not be fair at all. We have all heard the paradoxical statement that we sometimes have to lose in order to win. How much loss, whether it is substantial or even none at all, is a perception governed by socially accepted, continually changing standards.
We have observed so far that the fair trading concept works, but in and of itself, not very well, and only as an arbitrary concept. What are the mechanics of fair trade? How do I make someone else perceive he has been treated fairly? What might I have done to make my customer believe he got a good deal? I would like to examine this in my next installment, narrowing this perceived act of fair trading by using such instruments as “the contract”, and even “the witness”; I will attempt to make the standard for trading less dynamic, less arbitrary, and more contained. I will show you that in addition to these “instruments”, there are things of conscience and right thinking that solidify what the client thinks of you at the end of your work.
Until then, remember, you ‘gotta’ give to get!
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