The point I'm making extends to applying bigotry to the very idea of "haggling".
Also, it is very definately not the case where haggling is seen as a certain one
way here in the states for all situations. A blanket statement like "here
haggling is seen as crude, and without class" In a garage sale, private ad in
the paper or internet, antique shop, or variousa shows, etc. it is not defined
or
seen as rude or crude. Its simply the way business is done. But, there are
individuals that apply the 'crude, with no class' opinion even to this. Here, in
a retail store, haggling is generally not accepted, as in many cases the prices
are set at the main offices, and the salespeople have no control anyway. A
person
trying to haggle here can become a problem.
Larry
DaEyeGuy@xxxxxxx wrote:
> In a message dated 1/5/01 12:58:04 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> halpert@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> > Here in the US is about the only place I've seen where people are sometimes
> > actually proud to boast that "If I want an item, I just buy it! I don't
> > haggle!"
>
> I think here you're just running into a different set of mores for the
> country..our upbringing and "manners" that we are taught vary widely from
> other countries... here haggling is seen to be crude and without class, just
> as discussing or flaunting money, airing your dirty laundry, or staring at
> people. But in other countries I have visited, at one time or another all of
> the above were acceptable behavior.
>
> We also vary according to region...what may be acceptable in say, New York,
> would be considered rude, abrupt, or too agresssive in the South. And
> carrying a gun in Arizona is fully understood there, but the faces of the
> tourists show their fear and amazement that "this is allowed!"
>
> Just as when travelling abroad I try to "do as the Roman's do", in the
> various parts of the States I try not to step outside of the local customs
> when known. If a buyer, knowing that haggling is not the "norm" in the US
> retail scene, insists on trying to haggle in every circumstance, then he/she
> should be prepared for the disapproval it will entail. You may well say "it
> doesn't hurt to ask", but be prepared to be met with a rebuff if the offer
> was out of place.
>
> Susan Steele
> Virginia USA
>
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