I got my new Capital One Quicksilver credit card. After updating my spreadsheet, I decided to put my Chase card away and utilize the Quicksilver in order to earn the $100.00 cash reward once $500.00 is spent within the first 3 months of activation.

Well.....today was a pretty big "spend day". But I am very pleased with the path taken. Check it out:

I went to my local Ford dealership to get an oil change and tire rotation. While there, I asked the service man to provide me a quote on the top five tires from cheapest to most expensive. I told him I was about due for new tires and this would help me determine what tire I would purchase and also to shop around (they promote shopping their prices around).

The man was very rude. Almost like me giving him my money was a bother to his day. He was short, direct and project body language that said, "why do you need this information when all you have to do is let me sell you the tire I think is best for the price I think is fair and move on".

Well, that did not, nor ever would fly with me. To a fault, I suppose, I have no patience for companies, individuals or others whose job is to provide a service, yet, feel entitled to my money without leading with said service.

I tried to work with him and continued my line of questions regarding the quotes he reluctantly printed off for me.

Finally, I laid the quotes on his counter, smiled and said, "you may very well have just cost your dealership this sale, but before I leave, I think your boss may want some feedback on my time hear today."

So into the bosses office I sauntered! Twenty minutes later, I was the proud owner of four brand new tires, at cost, without the balance or mounting fees, tire recycling fee, valve stem replacement fee or any other fee they tack on. I paid cost plus tax. Total charge to the Quicksilver: $313.00/four tires!!!!!!

Of course upon returning home, I googled the tires and found that the cheapest retail price, via Monro Muffler was $675.00 plus tax!

I GOT FOUR TIRES FOR THE PRICE OF TWO! Now, do I think bitching to get something free is ethical or wise. No, I do not. But trust me when I tell you, although I have no problem paying $50.00 for a steak dinner, I better darn well get what I pay for, with a smile and good service to boot.

I then dropped about $40.00 in gas to fill 'er up, $30.00 on groceries since the girls wanted tacos in a bag, leaving about $120.00 left to charge in 3 months.

No problem. I will then send in my check for $500.00, paying the balance to zero, earn my $100.00 cash reward and throw that sucker toward my mortgage pre-payment goal.

Phew...what a spendy day. But hey, $500.00 worth of charges for $400.00....works for me...Jamie