COOP-Day 29
Today was a tough day- but also a day where I feel I did my best.
I want to write it down so I don’t forget.
Today, I moved out of my homestay and into a new share house.
After dropping off my luggage, I went out to buy some cleaning supplies, and just as I started cleaning my room, I got a message from the previous tenant.
He said,
“The chair, Wi-Fi booster, and cable in the room are actually mine, so I’ll come pick them up later.”
And he offered to sell me the Wi-Fi booster and cable for $80.
When I had visited the room for a viewing, I had met him briefly and seen the room,
but he hadn’t mentioned anything about this at that time.
If he had, I could have considered whether to move in or not — including the costs for taking over his stuff.
Being told after I had already signed the contract and paid the rent felt clearly unfair, and honestly, it made me pretty frustrated.
To make things worse, without the booster, the Wi-Fi was so slow that even sending messages became impossible.
I had to switch to mobile data.
At first, I strongly felt, “I absolutely don’t want to buy anything from him.”
But realistically, I needed a stable internet connection to live here.
So, I took some time to calm down, organized my thoughts, and sent him a polite but firm message.
(This was something I want to praise myself for.)
I explained:
“This situation isn’t fair. I was told there would be no take over.
Even so, I’m willing to compromise, so I hope you can lower the price as a way of meeting halfway.”
After exchanging several messages, the previous tenant came to my room in person.
He apologized sincerely and offered to sell the Wi-Fi booster and cable for $60.
I felt good about his apology and offer, so I decided to accept it.
Saving $20 might seem like a small thing.
But for me, today’s negotiation was a big experience.
I was able to express my feelings without becoming emotional, and without suppressing myself too much either.
And we were able to reach a solution that felt fair to both sides.
Even though I felt frustrated and it was a tough day,
I’m satisfied with how I handled it.
P.S.
While carrying my suitcase during the move, I twisted my back a little and hurt it.
Everyone, please be careful when moving heavy things!
