Bargain Hunter

A basic principle of economics is that a thing is only worth what a person is willing to pay for it.

The other day, while waiting for our food in a restaurant, I quizzed my favorite 9 year old, "How much is a penny worth? How much is a nickel worth?" and so on . . . until I said to the smarty-pants "How much is a doubloon worth?" She knew I'd asked a trick question, but she wasn't going to be out done. She looked to her father, and he said "it's worth what you're willing to pay for it." And BINGO! the kid got her first lesson in relative value.

One of my great joys comes from bargaining. It horrifies the Phenom when I'm doing it, but once I achieve a deal, it becomes a story to be retold.

This morning, I headed off to a very important civic function in a suit and toting my knock-off prada bag. I bought this bag from a street vendor in Georgetown. I don't even remember how much he originally asked for, but I told him I'd give him $20. My price was significantly less than what he asked. But, I stuck to my guns, and eventually he gave in. Phenom truly expected the vendor to rant and rave, and was incredulous when I forked over a crisp $20 for the bag.

Apparently, seeing me with the bag this morning prompted Phenom to regale his co-workers with the story. They were impressed. I think the Phenom is still a tad embarrassed.

He still blames me for a jewelry/craft shop in NOLA going out of business after I convinced the shop keeper that he could knock $20 off the cost of a pendant because I didn't want the chain . . . then the guy threw in a better, longer chain anyway.