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My daughter told me I could swear in these articles so I am stepping back from my usual "demure and sweet" self and using the "H" word! This is a sequel to my Rummage Sale Nemesis article. We all have one of these folks if we are "hunters of the unique." Mine is a tall, thin blonde who tends to get there one step ahead of me, grabs up good stuff with her three hands (hmmmm) and smiles sweetly as she beats you to the bargains. I always mumble "NEUMAN" under my breath when seeing her. Well, the shoe was on the other foot this time! You see, a friend of mine wanted to sell some older office equipment and had a "rummage sale" in her offices. I gladly agreed, always happy to help out a buddy and at the same time sell off some of my "junque." The sale started at 8:00 and at 7:15 they were lined up out front. I slowly lifted the blinds and saw number 3 in line - the BLONDE! She was talking to the gentleman ahead of her, tossing her hair and smiling. Probably telling him she had to get to work and wondered if she could skip ahead. He did not fall for it; she remained #3. We opened the doors and braced for the rush. I stood right up front. She came in quickly, looking this way and that, but not at any person. She started grabbing and then gazed up to ask where she could place her "reserves." Then her blue eyes opened wide - Oh, it's YOUR sale! she exclaimed. Yes, I said and good morning to you. NOW who is sugar-coated? About 15 minutes later she was ready to check out and I made sure I was at the table. Her "would ya takes" and "how abouts" and "what's the best you can dos" were just about ready to roll out. I was prepared for them - but not ready for her comments. She smiled and said I know your prices are fair because I know where you shop and that you appreciate a good bargain. What's this? She was not going to try to negotiate? Oh, that is not fair, she has to start dealing soon. But she went on. She said "we have met so many times that we are almost like best-rummage-friends. I am SURE you'll do the discounting without me even asking." I was flabbergasted but regained my composure and said "10% across the board" to my friend who was writing up the sale. The blonde smiled sweetly, paid and with a swish of her long locks was gone. When we were settling up at the end of the day, my friend was counting the sales. All of a sudden she stopped. She exclaimed "I think I made a mistake." I asked what it was and she handed me the sheet with names/sales/prices. When that blonde was here this morning, you offered her a discount. I only gave her 10 cents off on each item, not 10 percent! She really did not get much of a bargain. Oh, what a shame, I said, but being a good friend, I said I forgave her and it was no big deal. But I chuckled secretly to myself. Yes, we will meet again on our many upcoming searches. But for now, I could smile!
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