The Art of Haggling

Okay, so - I am a very shy person.

Really.

It's true.

One thing I hate the MOST is face-to-face haggling.. whether it be at a marketplace, with a salesmen, with a buyer.  Hate it.

I'm getting better at it but I still don't like it - especially when you are least expecting it.

I bought this Bombay company table as part of a multi-buy with a fireplace mantle (not sure WHAT I was thinking - stay tuned for that one).  This relates back to my earlier tips of

1. Buying multiple items from the same person
2. Noting WHERE they are currently storing their item (note the unfinished walls with insulation - bingo!!)

Anyway - I offered a paltry $40 for this item and the mantle..  so effectively $20 for this table.  I knew that they retail for about $180-200 (I know - say wha?) so I figured I could make a quick buck on this.  I listed it up and reduced since it wasn't selling.. I thought I had a buyer coming in at full price but she did the oldest trick in the book - the bait and switch!  Oh yes, I will most definitely buy this at $70.. then when she shows up.. she's like "oooh, it's smaller than I thought".  Okay, that made me a little mad since I make a point of putting the dimensions of all my items (this is going to spawn another post I think)  She was like "I'll give you $50 since it's so small"  

ugh.

I'm buggered here - hate this stuff.

me: $60

her: $50

$50?  I think to myself.. dang, this girl is a legit haggler and I am out of my depth.

me: $55

her: "um... ahhhh" (she circled and touches the table some more) "okay"

<groan>

She happily pays for the table, picks it up and leaves...  man!

Summary


Purchased: $20
Modifications: $0 (just buy low, sell high)
Sold: $55

Profit: $35 (because I suck at haggling)