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About this quote

What does it mean?
These quotes outline a cynical strategy for transactions, emphasizing scarcity and control. It suggests exploiting buyer desire to maximize gain.
In plain terms
Never give things away for free and always keep buyers wanting more.
What can you take from it?
Leverage scarcity in negotiations.

Where it applies

  • sales negotiations
  • market dynamics
  • business strategy

Putting it to work

  • create perceived scarcity
  • delay closing deals

Questions to consider

  • Is fairness more valuable than maximum profit?
  • When does strategy become manipulation?

Another view

This approach damages long-term trust and relationships.

More from William S. Burroughs

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  2. England has the most sordid literary scene I've ever seen. They all meet in the same pub. This guy's writing a foreword for this person. They all have to give …

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  3. Hustlers of the world, there is one Mark you cannot beat: The Mark Inside. (p. 11)

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