Did I mention its free?

Yeah I know 4th post today, but I have some catching up to do. Since College Station isn't Austin and Northgate isn't 6th street, us pedicabs can't just sit around like a normal taxi waiting to be called upon. oh no. Here we are, still so new that I only get flagged down 3 times a night on average. Us pedicabs have to hunt people down to get fares. We pull up slow beside a group, pissing off the cars behind us, and ask if they would like a ride. If only it was that easy. We figured out early on that college students are broke and they don't like that have to pay for things. They see us and imediatly think to themselves "There's a jerk who wants to charge me money to take me a block". So we basicly work for tips and advetise free rides. Free is the weakest word I know. I'll ask someone if they want a ride and they'll say "no"; they don't want to pay. I'll ask someone if they wasnt a FREE ride and they'll say "no"; they don't want to pay. did you catch that? Most people hear the word 'ride' and tune out. It's always a double take if it happens, "Wait did you say free?" This is usualy followed by the following: "Free?" "Yes" "Free?" "Yes" "Really?" "Yes" "You won't charge us?" "No" "But free?" "Yes. Ride?" "Hell Yes". Its rediculous I know. I have to do this with every single person unless they've ride before. It doesn't matter where I drop the F-word; "would you like a free ride?" "would you like a ride for free?" "Do you guys like free stuff? how bout a ride?" nothing works well. "Did I mention its free?" I always have to stress that fact that its free like 10 times before someone gets it and gets in. Sadly this is one of the hardest parts of the job.