Bon Journal

The culture vulture of buying and selling

When I was visiting a night market in Taipei, I asked for the price of something I liked and was about to buy it when the seller said,"Aren't you going to haggle with me?" I replied no. She said,"But you have to. Otherwise it's not an exchange."

I didn't understand the rationale for haggling when the price seemed right and I was willing to buy. After all, if I felt the price was too high, I would simply walk away.

For some cultures, the exchange of money for goods is a conversation. A conversation to get to an agreeable price.

In the last month or so, people have been coming to my house to browse through my things for sale. Most items were labelled with prices that I had thought fair --- after researching catalogues and e-marketplaces. I also said that I would give a big discount or simply include free items if people bought a bunch of stuff.

It was thus very disconcerting when two gentlemen came around and asked about my stereo. I had bought the entire system for about £1K and I was ready to part with just the radio/CD player, speaker stands, and possibly the power amplifier for £300. In other words, I would keep the two B&W speakers and sell the rest for £300. The younger chap thought for a moment and offered me £150 for the entire system.

His father saw my SONY recordable walkman, speakers, and microphone priced at £35. He wanted it for £10. He said it would be good to use when taking his walks. Noticing the power drill priced at £18, he offered that and the walkman for a total of £20.

Needless to say, I felt insulted. What sort of mathematical formula did they derive their offers from?

Later on, I got a call at 11 pm from a guy enquiring about my IKEA pine loft bed, shelves, drawers, and double mattress which I priced at £300. I had bought the set for £500 a few years ago. He asked if I was willing to come down to £100 or £150.

Now contrast the above with that of my neighbour who chose a double bed valance and a large clay flower pot. I meekly asked for £5. But she shook her head and said,"Oh no. That's way too low. It should be at least £10 for the two."

26 November 2003 Wednesday

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