Phelps endorsements in China

Xiushui Street

With eight gold medals and seven world records, Michael Phelps was crowned as the greatest Olympian in history. During her time off from cheering for her son, Michael’s equally famous mother Debbie Phelps didn’t miss her chance to go shopping on Xiushui Street (Silk Market).

After time spent shopping for Chinese handicrafts, she went on to a shop named ‘Chinese Calligraphy” on the 4th floor of the market. She wanted to order a 3-yard-long Chinese calligraphy with ‘Windsor Mill Middle School’ written in Chinese Characters. She told the salesman at the shop that she is the principal of Windsor Mill, and would like to bring this back as a souvenir of her Beijing trip.

The price Debbie was quoted was 600 Yuan (approx $88). Debbie countered with 350 Yuan. The salesman then explained that something of this size would need a special order of materials and labor. The best price the shop could offer was 400 Yuan and it would take 2 days to complete.

Not content with this counter offer, Debbie pulled her trump card. She asked the salesman if he knows Michael Phelps, showing him Michael’s name card and proudly adding, “I am No. 1’s mother!” Both the salesman and the owner of the shop were stunned. The name card indeed was Phelps’ and the pictures she showed them were those of the Olympian. Finally they realized it was Phelps’ mother standing in their shop. Debbie nailed the deal at 380 Yuan. The staff added as a bonus a nice paper fan with Chinese calligraphy.

After making such a good deal, Debbie was very happy to pose for photos together with both the owner and the staff of the shop. Before leaving she bought 10 additional calligraphies with the words “Beijing Olympics” written in Chinese characters and 5 Chinese drawings of maple leaves as gifts for friends.

Signing on fee

An online store called "People Yuan" is selling a signature of legendary swimmer Michael Phelps for 12,000 yuan ($1,750).

When a reporter queried the online store owner if this was a bit much he said it was cheap and would only become more expensive..

Translated by Chinationreport from Beijing Youth

 

 

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