Haggling

I never really cared too much to haggle someone over the price of a good they deemed worthy of it's existing price. But in honor of Thomas Try Outs and my dwindling bank account, Joe the landlord seemed like the perfect person to practice on today. Joe is a man I met on craigslist today (that sounded weird) to show me a one bedroom apartment in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. One bedroom is a big deal, as I have never lived by myself. So I'm out on my own, completely responsible for everything that happens in this apartment, and the first thing that's going to happen? I'm paying $100 dollars less than the asking price. I know it's big step for a first time haggler but when I saw Joe for the first time, and noticed how much shorter he was then I, I became the dominant male in the situation. We looked over the place for about 20 minutes, new kitchen cabinets, deck, a few touchups needed in the bathroom but overall a real gem. Spacious, up and coming neighborhood, bar across the street, what more could you want? How about the El train not between you and the bar? Joe thought I wouldn't notice but I'm an experienced apt. shopper and I noticed it right away. Thus I had my leverage to use for the haggle...and haggle Adam did. First to $400, Joe countered with $625, and that simply wouldn't do. I struck back with a roundhouse $500, nearly connecting with the side of his face, but he somersaulted towards the heater and turned...up...the...heat! $600 he said. Then I looked him square in his face and I quote "Tiny Joe, $575 or I walk."

Underneath the El, walking back towards Chinatown, I looked over my shoulder at Joe. He looked even tinier from far away.

Haggling, check.