It's all about psychology. Some people just need to feel they're getting the better deal they're entitled to, or they had control over the transaction.Still laughin 24 hrs later! Bitchin about 50 or 100 then wants to buy $1000 light? ha ha ha..................
From the traffic on this forum, I'd speculate A51's volume has tripled in the past year. If that's true and A51 is becoming more mainstream, I think Jeff should get better at the soft skills of business. It's just reality that he'll be dealing with more "needy" customers who just need a stroke, a smile, $20 tossed in their direction.
I think if he has too man of these reports on the web it's going to hold him back. Maybe he's ok with being the supplier to less sensitive growers who don't sweat little stuff (and feel they're part of the A51 team, which is more technically driven than glad-handling). But, if that's the space he wants to occupy, I'd suggest making it clearer on his web site. A theme, a direct statement, to the effect of "we're geared to deal with serious growers seeking the latest technology, and who value a no-nonsense light supplier. If you need a more consumer-oriented "experience," both we and you will be happier if you look elsewhere."
If that's how it is, I think it would be better to get ahead of it. If it's not how it is, I'd get used to kissing butt and try to avoid episodes like this. I don't think it's worth the $40 or whatever tstick can't get past. Make it back in volume. Treat it as an average.