Not only a shopping ‘kind of’ savant, I am a great bargainer. Labelled relentless and have been disowned by some of my friends as a shopping buddy. In one textile exposition near my office a pilgrimage was made daily to ogle at wares and look for good bargains. I don’t spend much money but am still considered a stylish dresser only because I have learnt the art of choosing from the bottom of the pile, getting a good price, and never ever leaving a good bargain.
A shop near the entrance selling Bhagalpuri silks caught my eye and I flippantly asked for the price of one. Rs 4500.00 he said, non negotiable. Not having any intentions to buy I offhandedly quoted Rs 1500.00. Through the next week I went alone and with others for looking, choosing and buying and I collectively saved about 30% a sum of 18,000.00 for everyone. Meanwhile the shop at the entrance kept requesting me to buy the chosen piece, reducing the price in bits. On the final day he almost fell at my feet quoting Rs 1800.00 almost a 70% discount saying that he wanted me to wear it. Flattering for sure but I did like the saree, I could not say no, bought it and it continues to be a prized acquisition.
I do sometimes feel guilty when I wear that saree. The only consolation being that unless it was within his costs he would not have parted with it. That sets me thinking again of the retail space, overpricing and unrealistically higher margins for more exclusive selling spaces. The buyer seller conundrum continues as we continue our fight for securing good prices for weavers, a fair wage and then this experience makes me wonder if they at all need that help, except for an opportunity!