The Adventures of Frankie – 12 – Cost of Goods Sold

“Goodbye Frankie,” Paulette said as the school bus pulled away. She turned to head home across the street but stopped. Looking at the back of Frankie’s head she called a little louder, “Is everything okay?”

Frankie just waved over his shoulder with his head hung low. Scrawny Ronnie’s comments at lunch about the money he was getting paid to collect worms put him in a bad mood. Mom didn’t get much more out of him as he walked in the door then stomped up the stairs to his bedroom. And that’s where he stayed until dad got home and called him down to go take his first batch of worms to Mr. Geddes.

It was like pulling teeth for Frankie’s father to get anything out of his son during the short drive into the village. But once they got to the bait shop, Frankie stood tall as he walked in the door holding two plastic boxes of worms. Never before had his dad seen him look so determined; a little man on a mission. For a moment he was so proud of his son. Then that kid showed his age. A very young boy with a lot to learn stood at the counter, confronting a man that had offered him an opportunity. Dad rolled his eyes but caught himself before saying out loud, “AW MAN!” Now this naive little boy was blowing it!

Looking the old man in the eye, Frankie didn’t hesitate, “Mr. Geddes, I believe that you have taken advantage of me.”

The owner of the bait shop set down the newspaper he was reading and glanced over his glasses at Frankie before turning his attention to the youngster’s father.

Frankie continued, “Just because I’m young doesn’t mean that you can pay me what turns out to be about a dollar an hour.”

Mr. Geddes winked before Frankie’s father could say anything. Dad relaxed knowing that the old man knew very well how to handle the situation. Mr. Geddes placed both hands on the counter and rose to his feet slowly, then leaned forward. Frankie’s eyes followed his face upwards as it rose above him. The weathered old man stood several inches taller than even his father. He felt like all the air was being sucked out of the room as the towering giant drew a deep breath before speaking. All the while their eyes were locked, neither daring to blink. Frankie could almost feel the heat from the old man’s glare.

“We had a deal.” Narrowing his eyes and leaning down just a little, “But if that deal doesn’t suit you, then you are welcome to keep the worms.” His voice, surprisingly calm, face softening as a smile almost appeared.

Frankie was confused; he wasn’t prepared for this reaction. Of all the ways he thought the conversation would go, this wasn’t one of them. Right that moment he wanted to wrap his fingers around Scrawny Ronnie’s neck. Bad advice? That would be an understatement!

The old man pulled out a pad of paper and offered Frankie a chair. “Let me explain a little about running a business.” Dad stepped up to watch over Frankie’s shoulder. “This here little bait shop is really no different than the grocery store up the street from your house, the car dealership on the edge of town, or one of those big department stores in the city. I buy stuff, like your worms, then I sell it for a little more. That little more has to cover an awful lot. That’s called cost of goods sold.”

On the pad, Mr. Geddes started writing the different things it took for him to sell a container of twenty five worms. The list included the worms, a Styrofoam container, plastic top, imitation dirt for the worms to live in, and worm food. Next to each item he wrote a figure, then explained that these were the costs.

“So you see, my young business associate,” his voice sounded more like a school teacher than a gruff old man, “You’re getting a big chunk of the two dollars that I can charge for these juicy worms. And that doesn’t even take into consideration the cost of overhead.”

Even Dad was all ears learning from the wise old man.

“Overhead?” Frankie asked still feeling a little embarrassed for his earlier behavior.

Picking up the pencil again, the old man spoke as he wrote a new list, “Rent, electricity, refrigerator, business license, insurance, can’t forget taxes.” That list seemed to go on and on. “I’ll tell you what. If you want to make a little more than a penny a worm, how about you fill the containers? I’ll give ya everything you need and you bring ‘em back to me filled with the best worms and I’ll give you seventy five cents for each container.”

Mr. Geddes stood once again, then reached out a hand. Frankie shot to his feet and pumped his arm with both hands. This time Dad didn’t have to prompt his son. That was good because he was still speechless as they put the stuff in the car. It wasn’t till they were almost home that he finally spoke.

“You shocked me there at the beginning boy, but overall you did well. I’m proud of you.”

Frankie was grinning ear to ear; that new bicycle was just around the corner. On top of that, he couldn’t wait to put Scrawny Ronnie in his place!

Peter Berry was born and raised in Baldwinsville, but long since moved to the much warmer climate of North Carolina. Unable to forget his roots, he writes novels based in Central New York. In his spare time he also writes the weekly column, The Adventures of Frankie. If you have any story ideas, drop him a line at [email protected] or visit HappyEndingsPublications.com.