Haggling

I've always been leery of handing out money. And by that I don't mean helping out a friend or family member. I expect that a certain level of responsibility is inherent if one has to work for one's money. That's not to say that begging isn't hard work. And I certainly haven't been the most responsible with my money. Anyway....

There's this guy who has a great gig: he hangs out in front of the grocery store and asks people for their spare change on their way out. There's a reasonably good chance you paid with cash, so, I imagine it works out pretty well for him.

I went to the grocery store this evening with two goals 1) buy some Goldfish crackers and 2) get meal-ish stuff. On my way out of the grocery store this guy asked for my spare change. I declined, as usual. In such circumstances I always wish that I had some sort of meal card that I could hand out. But, I don't. When I returned to my apartment I realized that I had only met my second goal (no goldfish), so I put away my groceries and set back out for the grocery store (a thirty second walk).

When approaching the grocery store, the same guy asked for my change. I declined again but offered to buy him something. He immediately leapt towards the grocery store to show me exactly what he wanted - obviously not the first time this has happened. My voice sort of trailed off as I followed: "You could just tell me what you...never mind...I guess we're going inside."

The candy selection is prominently displayed right in the front of the store. He reached for a large york peppermint patty thing. Our conversation went like this:

Him: How about one of these?
Me: If that's what you want.
Him: How about two?
Me: That's fine.
Him: I'll just go ahead and get three then.
Me: Two is fine.
Him: Okay. I like M&M's.
Me: I do too.
Him: Okay, well, I'll get two of these as well.
Me: Either one. Your choice.
Him: Come on. I've gotta eat.
Me: I understand. You can have either one.
Him: Alright. Just one M&M's and the peppermint patties.
Me: Please don't haggle.
Him: Well, maybe one of-
Me: You're wearing on my patience.
Him: Okay. The peppermint patties then.

The haggling reminds me of my poor friend Kevin. He's a programmer. Soft spoken. A Baptist. He gets along with everyone. We were riding home from work on MARTA (Atlanta's excuse for a public transportation system), waiting for the train in the Five Points station and a homeless guy asked him for a dollar. A few minutes later the guy walked away with five. It's the art of the up-sell I guess. Also, Kevin can't say no. And I've been had similarly...once. I still cringe when I think of how easily I gave in. Whatever.

I'll probably make a point of picking the guy up a peppermint patty (or two) if I see him out front.