Sorry Mike,
You're wrong here. There are many times when a customer is wrong. Times when they are trying to take advantage of you. Times when they are lying to you etc....
That "old" adage was for a time when retailers were the only ones who knew what things cost. Today's consumer is more educated, and sometimes less informed at the same time.

For the record - I'm out of retail by choice. The hours are conflicting with my family and performance schedule, otherwise - I'd still be selling my butt off.

Rude awakening? I don't think so. I'm very aware of the business of people-pleasing, and I have a history of devoted customers that STILL come to me for advice and deals on new gear. I just sold 4 keyboards out of my house this month alone, and I didn't solicit any of the deals.

Being honest and knowledgeable is much better than "sucking up" - and in the long run, you will hold the respect and future business of your customers if you behave that way.

You can't preach selling to me. I wrote the book.