Yesterday and today we are in the middle of assisting in a garage sale and find that many people take offense when their offer is refused or vise versa. After one difficult customer in the day I had to sit and think about how rude they treated us. Then I had to think about their perspective on the haggling situation. I have now come to terms with the experience.
Going to garage sales and buying second-hand items is a hobby for me. Not only do I save money for our family but get a rush when I get an item at a great price. Don’t get me wrong, in no way do I hoard items or collect things. I also dislike clutter but only get items that we need. Sometimes I use the art of haggling to purchase items at a sale. Usually within a few dollars of the listed price.
Who is to set that value of an item though? To every person an item has a value and they are usually different. Can we all just remember a different perspective is something we all have? Another man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Say you buy an item new for 20 dollars, and use this item for 5 years. The item is still in an amazing shape and you have wonderful memories with this item. So you place a sticker for 10 dollars on the item. You don’t really need this item anymore and it is just taking up space. To you 10 dollars is half the price this item would be new, and that is a great deal. Joe Shmoe walks up and offers you 2 dollars. Are you offended? I probably would be. But maybe to Joe this is all the item would be worth to him. Ok, maybe he is looking for a deal to turn around and resell it? Who knows but you can always say no. And when Joe gets mad it is his perspective that you are being difficult.
The game of haggling is really just perspective on what an item is worth to you. Next time you head to a garage sale think about it before you get upset when your offer is turned down. Life is hard enough, smile sometimes and be kind!
Feeding Mr.Picky 