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Confessions of an Economic Hit Man Paperback – December 27, 2005

by John Perkins (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 2,931 ratings
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From the author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, comes an exposé of international corruption, and an inspired plan to turn the tide for future generations

With a presidential election around the corner, questions of America's military buildup, environmental impact, and foreign policy are on everyone's mind. Former Economic Hit Man John Perkins goes behind the scenes of the current geopolitical crisis and offers bold solutions to our most pressing problems. Drawing on interviews with other EHMs, jackals, CIA operatives, reporters, businessmen, and activists, Perkins reveals the secret history of events that have created the current American Empire, including:
 
  • How the defeats in Vietnam and Iraq have benefited big business
  • The role of Israel as Fortress America in the Middle East
  • Tragic repercussions of the IMF's Asian Economic Collapse
  • The current Latin American revolution and its lessons for democracy
  • U.S. blunders in Tibet, Congo, Lebanon, and Venezuela


From the U.S. military in Iraq to infrastructure development in Indonesia, from Peace Corps volunteers in Africa to jackals in Venezuela, Perkins exposes a conspiracy of corruption that has fueled instability and anti-Americanism around the globe, with consequences reflected in our daily headlines. Having raised the alarm, Perkins passionately addresses how Americans can work to create a more peaceful and stable world for future generations.
 

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  1. Print length
    303 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Plume
  4. Publication date
    December 27, 2005
  5. Dimensions
    5.3 x 0.73 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0452287081
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0452287082
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Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, 3rd Edition
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From the Publisher

John Perkins

The riveting third edition of this New York Times bestselling title expands its focus to China, exposes corruption on an international scale, and offers much-needed solutions. Extensively updated, this edition features twelve new chapters, including a new introduction, preface, and study guide. The book brings the story of economic hit men (EHMs) up-to-date and focuses on China’s EHM strategy.

Touching the Jaguar
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, 3rd Edition
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars 201
4.6 out of 5 stars 656
Price $23.58 $16.49
More from John Perkins Transforming Fear into Action to Change Your Life and the World Includes 12 explosive new chapters!
John Perkins Headshot

John Perkins has written eleven books, including the first edition of Confessions of an Economic Hitman, which was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than seventy weeks and was translated into over thirty languages. As a former chief economist, he advised the World Bank, the United Nations, Fortune 500 corporations, and governments around the world.

John Perkins on Thom Hartmann Show

John Perkins in the Amazon

John Perkins speaking on Japanese Peace Boat

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[A] gripping tell-all book.” —The Rocky Mountain News

“Astonishing.” —Boston Herald

“This riveting look at a world of intrigue reads like a spy novel...Highly recommended.” —Library Journal

“Here are the real-life details—nasty, manipulative, plain evil—of international corporate skullduggery spun into a tale rivaling the darkest espionage thriller.” —Greg Palast, author of The Best Democracy Money Can Buy

From the Back Cover

"[A] gripping tell-all book."
The Rocky Mountain News

"Astonishing."
Boston Herald

"This riveting look at a world of intrigue reads like a spy novel . . . Highly recommended."
Library Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Plume
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 27, 2005
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 303 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0452287081
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0452287082
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.3 x 0.73 x 8 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #193,720 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 2,931 ratings

About the author

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John Perkins

John Perkins

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John Perkins is the author of 12 books on global intrigue, economics, shamanism, and transformation, including "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man,” and "Touching the Jaguar." They have been on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 70 weeks, sold millions of copies, and are published in at least 38 languages. His latest, “Message from Pleiades,” is the story of a life-and-world-changing experience in an ancient Mayan city; it is his first novel (written under the pen name of J P Moody).

As chief economist at a major consulting firm, John advised the World Bank, UN, Fortune 500 corporations, US and other governments. He regularly speaks at universities and economic and environmental forums and is a founder of the Pachamama Alliance and Dream Change, non profit organizations that partner with indigenous people to protect environments and offer programs to change the destructive ways of industrial societies.

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,931 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this book highly readable, comparing it to a novel, and appreciate its insightful content that explains more than just the topic itself. Moreover, the writing is well-crafted, and customers describe it as an eye-opener that changes their view of everything. Additionally, the story is fascinating, and customers value its authenticity, with one noting how it provides first-hand documentation.

Select to learn more

ReadabilityInsightAuthenticityWriting qualityEye openingEnthrallingStory qualityInformation quality
217 customers mention "Readability"210 positive7 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, noting it can be enjoyed like a novel and is a quick read, with one customer describing it as an eye-opener.

"Great read. As is the case with any of these types of books I always wonder how much of it is based on facts and how much made up." Read more

"This is a great read and shocking in what our government does to other nations. It is no wonder much of the world dislikes the United States...." Read more

"Very interesting; largely believable and a good read. This is a subjective, in depth story of being on the firing line of US policy in the past...." Read more

"Must read for anyone who wants to know the Truth about American political and corporate practices abroad...." Read more

131 customers mention "Insight"123 positive8 negative

Customers find the book insightful, with multiple reviews noting that it explains more than just the topic itself. One customer specifically mentions how it makes today's events make total sense, while another highlights its excellent job of explaining the realities of the global economy.

"...It IS called "Confessions of" after all! It's a fast read, very informative and worth considering no matter what your political leanings." Read more

"Overall, this non-fiction book was enlightening and informative...." Read more

"Insightful and Interesting..." Read more

"...OTOH, there were good parts in the book that were well told, and as I previously mentioned, his life as an international "economic hitman"..." Read more

56 customers mention "Authenticity"40 positive16 negative

Customers find the book authentic, describing it as factual and believable, with one customer noting it's among the most realistic books written on the topic.

"...This is a frank, honest yet sickening exposè of how the US has squandered its opportunity to be a true moral world leader in favour of shameless..." Read more

"History from a conspiracy point of view, but certainly plausible if not real. It really opens your eyes to international finance & politics" Read more

"...No lender wants to have the borrower default. This is a work of fiction, marketed as documentary...." Read more

"...on my real world experience of 15 years living overseas this book is on point with an unspoken truth of how the world really works...." Read more

55 customers mention "Writing quality"40 positive15 negative

Customers find the book well-written, with one customer noting it is a first-person memoir, while another appreciates the author's courage in sharing his life story.

"I read this close to a year ago. It was well written, and is a good introduction to the real political and economic landscape the exists throughout..." Read more

"Well written and very informative. I couldn't put it down. Explained a lot behind the scene dealing that goes on in government. Must read!" Read more

"This is a very poorly written book full of conjecture and incessant moralizing." Read more

"Easy to read, well-written book...." Read more

51 customers mention "Eye opening"50 positive1 negative

Customers find the book eye-opening, describing it as an eye-opener that changes their view of everything, with one customer noting it provides a revealing look at government and society.

"Excellent book...A real eye opener to the world of the corperatocracy and the nations that it ensnares..." Read more

"disturbing and revealing" Read more

"Great book and really opens your eyes at how the world works and has worked. I can't wait to start reading the next book in this series." Read more

"This book is an eye-opener about how foreign aid comes with stings attached, forcing countries into financial and political constraints that may..." Read more

50 customers mention "Enthralling"47 positive3 negative

Customers find the book engaging and stimulating, with one describing it as a pulsating action-packed novel that sends a chill down your spine.

"A great read. Interesting, refreshing. Helps you understand what is so wrong with the institutions that were put in after WWII." Read more

"Well written, fascinating, and mostly true. I have a similar background and knew some of the people mentioned in the book...." Read more

"...I stayed up all night to finish this book. Fascinating! Awesome!" Read more

"easy read, interesting, logical theory on world economics and American hegemony in the world economy." Read more

42 customers mention "Story quality"32 positive10 negative

Customers find the book's story fascinating and engaging, describing it as an amazing journey told in first-hand account.

"John Perkins tells an amazing story. I can't recommend it enough...." Read more

"Confessions of An Economic Hitman is a great story. I can only hope that everything in this book is true." Read more

"It's a gripping tale of Western Civilization's power game over, helpless and defenseless third world countries...." Read more

"...With all of its vague statements, innuendo, and unsubstantiated conclusions this manuscript is the single worse book I have purchased on..." Read more

35 customers mention "Information quality"25 positive10 negative

Customers appreciate the information quality of the book, noting that it provides first-hand accounts and is rich with detail, with one customer mentioning that the content remains relevant today.

"Very, very informative. The best info on what the shadow gov is doing i've seen yet." Read more

"...Great information and well written." Read more

"...The information in this book is very limited, that is apparently why Perkins was allowed to publish it...." Read more

"It is a good biography, but a little bit speculative on the history with hookers in Panama and other places...." Read more

Now read "Clinton Cash"
5 out of 5 stars
Now read "Clinton Cash"
What a great book. Read it first then "New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" . I just ordered "Clinton Cash" after watching the free new movie on Beritebart.com called "Clinton Cash" Anyone have a forum with folks discussing this topic?
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Jerry
    5.0 out of 5 stars "Film Noir" or political-economic "third rail?"
    Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2008
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Why has America's prestige in the world fallen? Why are we involved in costly international intrigues? This book's title is sensational-appearing but the subject is serious. The issues raised aren't hype they are happening today.

    Mr. Perkins' dramatic first-hand experiences relate closely to my observations as a national finance and banking executive in this country. The economic methods that he describes have been and are being used domestically. We are now experiencing their cannibalizing effects on our own economy.

    What should have been obvious to me, in the international setting, was made clear by John Perkin's book with the "film noir" title. The corprate-political machine described has no respect for national sovereignty including, I fear, our own.

    Please read, share and debate this very readable book.

    P.S. When I wrote this review: 1.) I didn't think that the economic crises that we visited upon other countries would escalate at home so quickly. Read the book to see what you may do! 2.) For a similar and colorfully written first-person story, related to governmental and non-govermnental foreign aid, see "Travesty in Haiti" by Timothy Schwartz. Both books would make great action and informative movies.

    P.P.S. I also recommend John Perkins "Hitman" sequel, "The New Confessions of an Economic Hitman." This compelling new book does not replace the original and could be read separately. What it does is to bring the story forward in time, provides deeper analysis of events mentioned in the first book and tells what the author is doing now and how concerned people may get involved with efforts for a more humane world.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • M. A. ZAIDI
    5.0 out of 5 stars An expose of United States foreign policy
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2007
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    An expose of the United States foreign policy; on their unsavory methods to undermine other countries financially to attain leverage on them with duress. The means by which leverage is attained, lies with the two "international financial institutions" (IFI's). The institutions were founded in 1945 during the genesis of the United Nations as "do-good" enterprises. The IMF would assist countries trying to keep their currencies tied to the dollar under the terms of the 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement. The World Bank would lend money at low interest rates gathered from the rich countries to help poor countries get off their backs.
    Over the years, the process has become corrupt, with both the IMF and World Bank becoming controlled by the multinational corporations and their banks. When President Nixon went off the gold standard in 1971, the IMF's reason for existence evaporated, because Bretton Woods and the fixed dollar went up in smoke. Now the problem for the big banks like Chase Manhattan, Citicorp and the Bank of America became two-fold:

    1) As surplus dollars accumulated in their reserves and there were no credit-worthy Americans wanting to borrow, the banks had to think of ways to lend the money abroad or it would sit in their vaults earning zip, which means it really is losing money as the paper dollar - freed from its gold anchor - was inflating and losing purchasing power. Citigroup's Walter Wriston came up with the idea that the surplus should be loaned to poor countries, even though they had no collateral, because governments had to pay off their hard-currency loans or lose their international credit ratings.
    2) If the countries that borrowed from Chase or Citicorp could not pay back interest or principle and did not worry about stiffing the private bankers, they would have to swallow the non-performing loans. The solution was to have the IMF, looking for something to justify its existence, step in to collect the debt. All it had to do was persuade the U.S. Congress to ante up billions of taxpayer dollars to fill their coffers. They could then go to the deadbeat country and say, "We will give you this money so you can pay Chase and Citicorp what you owe them, but you will have to raise taxes on your own people and devalue your currency as the conditions for the loan"

    This book is an account by Mr. Perkins a foot soldier in these operations of the Evil Empire. In extension Mr. Perkins does identifies Bechtel Corporation and Halliburton as agents in this quiet conspiracy to make sure the good old USA flourishes, at the expense of relentless impoverishment of the poorest countries of the world. In his book Confessions of an Economic Hit Man he describes how as a highly paid professional, he helped the U.S. cheat poor countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars by lending them more money than they could possibly repay and then taking over their economies.

    The scam: Mr. Perkins worked for was a company named Chas. T. Main in Boston, Massachusetts. He was responsible for giving loans to other countries, much bigger than they could possibly repay. One of the conditions of the loan is that they would then have to give ninety percent of that loan back to a U.S. company, or U.S. companies, to build the infrastructure - a Halliburton or a Bechtel. These companies would then go in and build an electrical system or ports or highways, and these would basically serve just a few of the very wealthiest families in those countries. The poor people in those countries would be stuck ultimately with this amazing debt that they couldn't possibly repay. A country today like Ecuador owes over fifty percent of its national budget just to pay down its debt. And it really can't do it. So, we literally have them over a barrel. So, when we want more oil, we go to Ecuador and force them to provide us with access to our oil companies your Amazon rain forest, which are filled with oil. The entire loan with interest finds its way back into the Unites States indirectly, while the host country is left with the debt plus lots of interest, and they basically become our servants, our slaves.

    Panama: In 1903 with the mammoth effort to build the Panama Canal underway; the United States under Theodore Roosevelt demanded Columbia to sign a treaty turning the isthmus over to a North American consortium. Columbia refused; Roosevelt sent in the marines; who removed a popular commander and declared Panama an independent nation. A puppet government was installed and the first canal treaty was signed; it established an American economic zone on both sides of the waterway. The country was ruled by an oligarchy of wealthy families with strong connections to Washington. A coup overthrew Arnulfo Arias; the last in the parade of puppet dictators and Omar Torrijos emerged as the head of the state. Torrijos was highly regarded by the Panamian middle and lower class as the champion for the people. His fate was an assassination at the hands of CIA.

    Guatemala: The United Fruits Company had been Guatemala's political equivalent of the Panama Canal. Founded in the 1880s, United Fruit grew into one of the most powerful forces in Central America. During the 1950s, reform candidate Jacob Arbenz was elected president of Guatemala in an election hailed all over the hemisphere as a model of the democratic process. At the time less than 3% of Guatemalans owned 70% of the land. Arbenz promised to help the poor dig their way out of starvation, and after his election he implemented a comprehensive land reform program. The United Fruit Company opposed these measures; since they were the largest and the most oppressive land owners in the country. The company in retaliation launched a public relations campaign in the United States; aimed at convincing the American public and congress that Arbenz was part of a Communist plot and Guatemala had become a Soviet satellite. In 1954, the CIA orchestrated a coup; American pilots bombed Guatemala City and the democratically elected Arbenz was overthrown; replaced by Cornel Armas a ruthless ally of America.

    Saudi Arabia: A deal was worked out with Saudi Arabia, whereby the Royal House of Saud agreed to send most of their petro-dollars back to the United States and invest them in U.S. government securities. The Treasury Department would use the interest from these securities to hire U.S. companies to build Saudi Arabia new cities, new infrastructure which we've done. And the House of Saud would agree to maintain the price of oil within acceptable limits to us, which they've done all of these years and in return the United States were the guarantors of power remaining in the House of Saud. And in Iraq we tried to implement the same policy that was so successful in Saudi Arabia, but Saddam Hussein didn't buy. When the economic hit men fail in this scenario, the jackals move in. Jackals are C.I.A.-sanctioned people that come in and try to foment a coup or revolution. If that doesn't work, they perform assassinations. Or try to. In the case of Iraq, they weren't able to get through to Saddam Hussein. So the third line of defense, if the economic hit men and the jackals fail, the next line of defense is to send in the marines to invade the country.
    35 people found this helpful
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  • Andrew
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fact or Fiction...and or Truth?: You Decide
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2005
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I was introduced to this book on Free Speech TV. Before purchasing the book, I read the user reviews on Amazon. There were over 100 reviews in all. I was most interested in reading the negative reviews. Although they varied in content, several of the harshest critics repeated three common themes: 1. The book is not backed up by facts and figures, 2. The book is based on circumstantial evidence, and 3. Although the book is short on fact much of it is probably true.

    Confessions of An Economic Hit Man is an eye-opening and harrowing insider's view (confession) of the United States government's role as chief architect of a corporatocracy based on an unholy alliance of major corporations, international banks, and colluding governments. The game, as described by John Perkins, is to use debt to draw poor countries (e.g. Ecuador, Panama) into the global empire. That is, the US loans billions of dollars for infrastructure development with the promise of long-term economic benefits to the disenfranchised (poor people) living in these impoverished countries. The role of the author, a self described EHM (economic hit man), is to forecast (inflate and distort) the long-term benefits. Once accepted the loans are funneled directly from the US government to hand picked US corporations (e.g., Bechtel, Halliburton, and others) in what amount to no-bid contracts. Although the recipient countries never touch the money nor participate in choosing who the contracts should be awarded to, they then incur billions of dollars in debt for loans that they will never be able to repay monetarily. The loans can then only be repaid in votes in the UN that are favorable to the US, granting the US land for military bases, allowing their natural resources to be exploited, or for any number of other nefarious purposes. In the end, none of the impoverished or disenfranchised reaps any benefit from the initial deal. In other words, it is a sophisticated shake down scheme - extortion that is long on increasing the wealth and power of the wealthiest and most powerful, and short on professed human rights.

    The author explains that when this doesn't work in countries that have leaders with some integrity, the "jackals" (i.e. CIA) are sent in. He offers the deaths of President Jaime Roldos of Ecuador and General Omar Torrijos of Panama, just two months apart in 1981 and both in airplane "crashes," as examples.

    Finally, Perkins asserts, when the jackals are not effective, a premise to take military action follows. In sum, the progression Perkins presents is: economic hit men, jackals, and military action.

    He also goes on to describe EHM's role with countries that do not need to incur debt (e.g. Saudi Arabia) and how they fit into the global economy and become strange bedfellows with the US. All of this provides some insight into current world events and how the US is viewed (detested) by much of the rest of the world.

    Is this book simply a guilt-induced confessional that is short on facts and long on the confessor's self- flagellation and US-bashing? as some of the critics suggest. Or is it an accurate treatise on US foreign relations and empire building? Read the book and decide for yourself. As for me...Confessions of An Economic Hit Man offers a window that most of our media, controlled by huge international corporations, will never provide us.
    25 people found this helpful
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  • Melvin J. Pack
    5.0 out of 5 stars It shows how money powers corrupted governments including US government
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It's an eye opener
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  • HFB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Neue Informationen über die USA?
    Reviewed in Germany on August 24, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Ich glaube nein. Es wird nur in sehr drastischer Weise gesagt, wie es funktioniert. Der US Normalbürger wird kaum was davon
    mitbekommen und von Presse und allen anderen Medien entsprechend eingelullt. Was der John Perkins erzählt ist schon wenig
    schön und jeder sollte sich diese Lektüre aneignen. Die Politik der USA ist ohne Skrupel und es geht immer um Gewinnmaximierung, unter welchen Bedingungen auch immer. Es gibt auch andere negative Politiker, aber die USA wird in einem nie gekannten Maße von der Industrie geführt und gegängelt. Es ist ein Horror. Man muss nur die vergangenen 10 Jahre ansehen, die waren mit Paradestückchen behaftet. Irak-Krieg Nr. 2 - aufgebaut auf einer Lüge (und was ist daraus entstanden?) Weltwirtschaftskrise 2007 - der Krieg der Banken -, etc. Mein Vertrauen in die US Politik ist mehr als erschüttert.
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  • Bardul
    4.0 out of 5 stars Buono
    Reviewed in Italy on May 8, 2019
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    Interessante
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  • Mr. Justin MacDonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very compelling read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 9, 2012
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    I'll keep this short for now as I am just stating very briefly what I think, but I will edit this into a full review at a later date.

    This very is as stated, very compelling. It is in equal parts deeply saddening and inspiring. It is a little light on in depth details of certain situations but strikes me as a compromise between the weighty details of historical events and the authors own impressions of them from his very particular standpoint. There are other books which delve a lot deeper than this one; though I will say that most of them have been written since and probably in response to this one.

    It does seem as though the subject matter of the book might be a little 'dumbed down' for (forgive me) an American audience. Not that I am in any way inferring that 'Americans' would be any less capable of reading such a book, but that the view of an average 'American' on politics or world affairs may be ever so slightly to the right of ours in the UK and as such, they as an audience be a little less receptive or sympathetic to some of the views presented in this book.

    Never the less, I would say that this book was a very good starting for anyone who wanted to get a grapple on why things are the way they are in the world today. I would suggest it as an absolute must read for anyone who feels that the state of the world today is not quite as we all would wish.

    As I say, I will tidy this review up and improve upon it at a later date.
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  • Shaili
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great service
    Reviewed in India on August 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Good quality books, better prices
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  • christine j.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un livre très instructif
    Reviewed in France on September 20, 2016
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    J'ai lu ce livre dans sa traduction française et je l'ai trouvé si instructif que j'ai décidé de le commandé dans sa version d'origine pour le partager avec mes amis anglophones.
    La livraison - par bateau - a pris plus de temps que prévu mais lorsque j'ai contacté le vendeur pour lui faire part de mon étonnement, celui-ci s'est empressé de me répondre avec professionnalisme et courtoisie pour me rassurer. J'ai apprécié sa réactivité et l'intérêt qu'il porte à la demande d'un client même si en l’occurrence le prix de la commande ne dépassait pas 2,60 €.
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