I recently figured out how to barter at a flea market.

Post Reply New Topic

It was very easy, all I had to do was lie and say I bought something cheaper at another store and I was able to talk a lady into lowering her price from $8 to $6.

I feel a new sense of power that I never felt before.

I don't know if bartering really counts as a social skill but I think it is a useful skill to have. At least now I know I can buy things at flea markets without paying full price and getting ripped off every time.

I learnt bartering in Thailand, though my method was different. I'd ask how much something was, they would say the price and I'd say "Nah" and start walking away. Most times the stall owner would come after me in a hurry saying they'd lower the price. Then I'd be interested.

It seems kind of cruel and I'd feel guilty. But that's how things are done over there.

In Australia bartering is very rare.

See when I say "nah" they don't chase after me but I discovered that If I start off asking for a lower price than what they give me then they usually drop their price too to meet me in the middle because they really want to sell something.

And I don't always have to lie like I did, but it does help. I mean people in Flea Markets lie about their merchandise all the time too they will buy something for a dollar and then try to sell it to somebody for $20. I just tell myself I'm fighting fire with fire.

And I live in the U.S. I think flea markets are really the only places where you can barter here.

I just ask straight out "would you take [state amount] for that?"
They can only say yes or no.
I've been doing the barter thing for a long time, and I'm in Australia.

^ I do.

I'm standing on my head right now.