Fred was well known for his cheapness and his “eye for a bargain.” One day, he was looking for a cheap wedding present for his niece, so he went into a thrift shop. As he was walking around, he noticed what was previously an expensive glass crystal vase lying in the corner. It was in three pieces. After some haggling with the owner, Fred bought the broken vase for $5.
He then filled in the congratulations card, wrote his niece’s name and address, and gave the owner another $5 so the broken vase could be gift-wrapped and mailed. Fred then left the shop feeling quite pleased with himself. He expected his niece to think the vase had been broken in the mail.