Tuesday, June 8

Nothing Ventured ~ Nothing Gained


That old saying has been around a long, long time, but in many cases - no truer words were ever spoken.

Recently, someone in my family has been looking for a dining room table. She found a walnut table at an antique mall about 60 miles from here that she liked. She needed my van to go back and pick it up, and I went along for the ride. I wanted to see if the table was "up to snuff" and sturdy. It was, and I liked it. She said, "I'm going up front to pay for it." I replied, "Ask them if they'll take $______, [fifty dollars less than the asking price.] She said, "I can't do that! This is not the kind of place you can haggle." and I said, "Oh yes, it is, and they expect you to ask for less....Nothing ventured, nothing gained. All she can do is say no." So, she went to the main desk and offered the lesser amount. After a phone call to the consignee, they settled on $45 less than the original price. I was gloating and she said..."I'll give you $45 to shut up about it!" LOL So she gave me $20 for gas, and she will still ahead by $25!

I have discussed that haggling process with other people and was surprised to hear some women say that they could never offer less than the asking price, and would be embarrassed to do so. Well, if you don't mind paying too much - be my guest! My mom told me to always ask "Is that your best price?" You might be surprised at how many sellers will counter-offer with less than their original asking price.

Do you like to haggle?


(Illustration by Mary Englebreit)

18 comments:

Linda said...

I don't haggle but I wish I had the nerve to. I always found that extremely frustrating when in the Arab section of the Old City in Jerusalem. They very much expect you to haggle. I usually got someone to do it for me. I know it's a common practice but I can't seem to do it. Usually though I'm with someone who will do it.

Claude said...

I don't like haggling, but I agree with you that it's worth trying. I'm much better at haggling for a friend. I've also found that just saying something like "sorry, I can't afford this" is easier than saying outright the price you're willing to pay.

Angie said...

I always haggle!

MaR said...

It depends on the place, but I seldom haggle. That's Mr M's department! Great story, kenju!!

Gilly said...

In the right place, I will haggle. Not in Harrods (the poshest Store in London!!) but in the markets, and for big items, yes.

Mr. G and I went for some furniture a long while ago, and we only had to look rather doubtfully at each other, and the price was immediately dropped!

Do you think they were glad to get rid of it? ;)

Tabor said...

I do NOT like to haggle which was the challenge of my life while living in Indonesia, because haggling is a way of life there. I had a cook who did most of my haggling. But, yes, I will, once in a while, haggle.

grannymar said...

Well done you Judy! May I book you to come shopping with me? :)

I often ask for a reduced price, I find it works best with someone I can banter with prior the the payment stage.

Granny Annie said...

Ron is a class act haggler. I am learning but will never be as brave about it. Do you know that you can also haggle for rates on your time deposits at the bank?

Star said...

It's very hard for me. Even in places where it is expected. Maybe you can come with me the next time I need a haggler.

Pat said...

I don't like to haggle but will ask 'What's the best price you can do?' with what I hope is a sweet smile.

Olga said...

I wonder where the reluctance to haggle comes from. I sure have it. What I really hate, though, is "Make me an offer."

rosemary said...

I am an annoying haggler....even with coupons. I had a coupon for canned cat food....24 cans get a buck off. I got a pack of 24 not single cans and they weren't going to honor the coupon. I "haggled" and read the damn coupon....I got the buck. When I have a yard sale I love to deal with people. I am at my best with car buying. It comes down to a simple decision...do I act like Gracie Burns or Maxine.

Arkansas Patti said...

I have a sister who is brilliant at it. Me--not so much.
Only by accident do I succeed. When I look at a salesman and sincerely say "Afraid that is out of my budget" and he comes down on the price. It is not by design but welcome.
Haggle away gal, wish I could.

oklhdan said...

I'm embarrassed to admit I'm one of those women who can't haggle. I can't even do it in situations where it is expected. That could be a new part-time profession (haggler for rent). You'd make a killing just off a percentage Judy.

srp said...

These days.... YES!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I don't like to haggle and usual dont or I should say didn't, though now and again, on certain occassions with certainthings I have been known to ask--"Is that the best you can do"?
I am amazed at how many people DO haggle and are rewarded for it. So, good for you, Judy.

Maria said...

I can haggle when it comes to antiques and it is in this country. When we have been in Mexico, it made me very nervous and I found the whole process irritating.

Anonymous said...

I haggle all the time, but my husband hates it. Sometimes before I start, I'll say to him, Watch this - I'll get her to drop it $5.00" and he'll immediately go over to his car and hide.heeheehee