BABE, the shopping genius

            Owing to the fact that we are going to need much more space than a studio could offer, at the same time a sense of normalcy as far as living spaces are concerned, a decision was finally made to change locations. We’ve finally let go of the convenience of our just-a-stone’s-throw-away-from-the office-studio apartment in favor of a one-bus-ride-away-2bedroom one. However, it was not the distance that bothered me. The place was situated amidst it all, that I only have to take a few steps to and from the bus, convenience as far as travel was concerned was really no issue. It was making the space we chose, fit to live in , in the most affordable way possible, that worried me.

          But the woes left me as soon as I saw the shopping genius that is the man of the house. Yes, he told me stories of how, as a boy, he used to moonlight his afterschool hours in the town’s public market,  playing the role of the little "sales" assistant. He’s a whiz at numbers so I was not surprised he’s played little accountant to doting vendors, and I also didn’t doubt he’s charmed enough customers to keep coming back, he’s gifted in that sense (okay, I sooooo love this guy, I find many adorable things about him & this is my blog… capisce!). I guess I just saw him as an apprentice seller I have never imagined him as the haggling consumer. Plus in most of our shopping trips, I did the selecting, choosing and deciding, but of course most of those are for clothes, accessories and stuff men usually don’t spend time on. Most of our past shopping trips, he just patiently gave his opinions of this and that and helped carry the bags.

          This time around, he asked me to list down what’s needed and what I wanted in the house. Not only did he help me edit the list, he also made really good suggestions and reasonable alternatives. And it was at the stores, where he was able to make the best of deals. A couple of times I saw a vendor just shaking or scratching his head before finally giving in to my guy’s whim. According to this shopping guru, the price that a vendor would give you would match your apparent eagerness in getting a particular item. As I was an eager beaver, he had me whispering to him my options and he did the rest. Still according to him, the initial price a vendor would give you is usually pegged at the item’s original cost x 175 to 200%. Before asking for the price, give yourself (or at least act like you did) several options, particularly on more expensive items. Ask prices of different models of the same item. Then ask for the last price on the two that you like most. The last price given by a vendor is more often than not, twice the original cost of the item, so no need to be scared haggling a bit more, until you get what you wanted. Good stuff eh?! An old lady vendor even told me "Magaling tong mister mo, marunong mamili…" And I just sighed, the proud and effortless shopping partner. From the furniture sets to the appliances to the smallest of knick knacks that would make our place comfortable, we were able to complete the things we’ve listed-plus a bit more- in what I would like to think as budget and time record. Everything was to our satisfaction. If my baby was a professional shopping assistant, I would pay a lot to keep him as my own. Good thing he’s not, wouldn’t have to pay. And yeah, I’ve made another list. This one of the shopping lessons I have learned from him, in case he tries to quiz me on it or something, wahaha!