Capitalism eats me alive

[Void]

I must admit that I am one of the worst survivors in capitalist world... Think it is time to shape up. Why ? I tell you why...

I needed to buy a tire for my bicycle went to a little shop where the prices for items were not written. Really each cent is so important for me.. my individual economy is very tight. A young guy came and told me that one tire costs 20 dollars... Damn... I told him this is so expensive and I didn't even have that amount of money with me. He then told me that he can sell the tire to me only for 18 dollars... oh yes what a relief. Of course I did not buy that tire and went away.

Later I spoke to a guy who is my friend and he told me that he bought the same tire only for 7 dollars from the same shop and same guy... Then of course I was so down... Damn do I look so naive ? I did not understand what was the problem. In some shops here the prices are not written and most of the time you need to bargain.. And I am so bad in bargaining or barter that I am almost given the highest prices in such shops. :mellow:

Bargain or barter skills... What are they ? How do they work ? Will we still have use of such skills in post-capitalist era ? If I fail in market economy, currency economy, would I also fail in socialism ? :)

[GatesofLenin]

You don't really need a new tire now, do you? This is a test of some sort. :unsure:

[Void]

I still use the old tires but they will soon give up the ghost because they are heavily damaged, of course I am going to buy new ones. I wait that old tires are completely destroyed.

This mentality I told you above exists in almost all countries of middle east. Shops do not have proper prices written on items to be sold and shopkeeper can tell you any price for an item you want to buy. Sometimes low sometimes high, as a person with low barter skill you always get high prices like me. People with low barter skills are preys for these shopkeepers.

There is a positive side: You always get the same price in a supermarket but in such shops if you have the skill you may get a lower price. But I can't do that, I get even prices higher than supermarkets, I wish I could shoplift bicycle tires. :mellow:

[Sputnik_1]

Bargain or barter skills... What are they ? How do they work ? Will we still have use of such skills in post-capitalist era ? If I fail in market economy, currency economy, would I also fail in socialism ? :)

So do I. Did economics at college for 2 years- it's so full of shit that gave up. Post-capitalist society wouldn't definitely have to deal with nowadays economical hocus-pocus.

[danyboy27]

Knowing your neigborhood and the people who own this kind of store greatly improve the odd of getting a good deal.

thrift store owner are more likely to overcharge folks that are just passing by, if you go there from time to time the shopkeeper will eventually understand that you live in the neiborhood and you will be able to negociate.