On letting the other person go first
(Note: The following post, which was in the works a while before my less-than-satisfactory Goodwill experience, may help to explain my surprise at the firm price on the buttonless shorts)
I wrote a while ago about how I was slowly learning the art of haggling, which is not something I'm naturally good at. Well, I recently learned that it can pay off to let the other person go first when you're bargaining.
I mentioned before that I've become a big fan of wearing skirts in the summertime. They're a lot comfier than shorts (at least to me), and they're a much cooler item of clothing than long pants are.
So, I've been poking through the skirts area at Goodwill each week to see if I can find something I like. On a recent trip, I found this Old Navy skirt.
It fit me, was very comfy, and was in good shape except for a place near the hem where it looked like it just needed to be laundered.
Upon further inspection, I found that it was paint, but for some reason, most of it was loosely attached and could be scraped off.
I decided I'd ask at the checkout if they would mark it down. Skirts are normally $4.25, so I was going to offer something like $3.
I pointed out the paint spot, but before I could even mention the price I had in mind, the saleslady said, "Oh, I'll sell it to you for 50 cents."
I swallowed my astonishment, said nothing of my $3 idea, and cheerfully paid for the skirt.
I was able to get most of the paint off and the little that remains doesn't bother me at all, especially when I remember that this purchase only took 50 cents out of my clothing budget.
It's not really occurred to me to let the salesperson suggest a price before, but now I'm thinking that might be the way to go from here on out.
You never know...they might come up with a lower price than I'm expecting, and I could always bargain down from their suggested price if I think it's too high.
Here are some outtakes for your enjoyment, compliments of my kid photographer!
I don't know what the skirt is made from, but you can try to use a tiny bit of non-acetone nail polish remover to get the little paint off. And sometimes even alcohol will help to loosen it. Gotta love how kids always want to be in the picture!
What a cute skirt - And for 50 cents! What a score!!
I like skirts too, but mine have to be long. I sometimes have trouble remembering to sit like a lady!:P By the way, I just tried out your granola bar recipe and they turned out great! My kids are probably going to eat the whole batch today.
I found aerosol hairspray works amazingly well. Just heavily saturate the spot and within a couple seconds you can scrape the paint away with your fingernail. Works like magic!
I know what you mean about the letting the other person speak first when haggling! I recently purchased two old navy purses at goodwill, one for a nicer everyday purse, with a price of $4.50, retails like $30. The other one was also from Old Navy and was a cute (well-made)messenger type bag with a cute vintage looking linning, great for hiking and trips with the kids so my hands are free at all times, but no price. It was nicer than the other purse, and I was going to suggest the same price but the manager spoke first and it cost me less than the other....SCORE!
I completely concur with the letting the other go first: I found a pair of pajama pants with a Spiderman design for my 4 year-old son at Goodwill - but there was no tag. I thought I might spend a dollar or two and the person behind the counter gave them to me for 25 cents! He loves them and wears them all the time - sometimes all day - so I am very pleased with the purchase!
Also, I love that you call Joshua "Bud" - I like that nickname, too. Just the other day I used it for my son but he wasn't so fond of it. He said, "Don't call me Bud. Call me Sweetie." I don't think he'll be so fond of Sweetie when he's 10! 🙂
I bought that same old navy skirt from goodwill last summer for $3! It's my favorite piece of my summer wardrobe and I get compliments about of quite often. It always makes me laugh how many times I answer the "where did you find it" question with "goodwill."
My thrift mart had kids clothing for .50 on Mondays as a summer special. I can wear a kids size 16 in skirts and shorts and really stocked up! I'm not good at haggling but my sister is the QUEEN of the haggle!
Love this post and photos!
that skirt looks so good on you!
Cute skirt!
I also prefer skirts in the summer. They are cooler and more comfortable IMO too. As a mattr of fact, I'm wearing a skirt I bought at Goodwill (for $5.06) right now. I knew the exact skirt I wanted (khaki, long, nice enough for casual office environment)and went to our local Goodwill twice before I found it in my size.
I'll have to remember your advice on waiting for the seller to make the first discount offer. Thanks!
I also hate haggling, but here's something my husband, who is an antiques collector, taught me. Whenever buying something from an antiques/thrift/flea market place, he always takes the item up to the front and asks respectfully: "What is the best you could do on this?" Especially at antique type stores, often there is a store policy to reduce by 10% automatically if asked. You will be surprised at how often you get a reduction (actually, over 90% of the time) and it is easy to say!
Cute skirt! I feel the same way about skirts and dresses in the summer, way more comfy.
Thanks for all the wonderful posts. I adore your blog, you've actually inspired me to start baking again. I hadn't done that in 15 years!
Adorable skirt! We've had tremendously hot weather lately - a skirt like that would be perfect! Love your blog - thanks so much for sharing your heart & home!
Despite your apparent good-natured frustration with your 'zi-like son and your camera-hogging girls, I like the last two photos the most. I can just see your girls toddling over to you then hamming it up for the camera. "Hi mommy, what about us?!"
Congrats on giving your kid a camera to play with. With digital kids can actually take paparazzi photos without fear of wasting film. My parents bought me a camera when I was in middle school which I adored and occasionally bought me film for it. I preferred slide film and that cost more so I didn't get it as often. 😉
Here I am all these years later and photography is still my biggest hobby. Maybe he'll grow up to be a photographer?