So, as it turns out I believe that I must look like a fanatical gamer… or  a sucker, or maybe a fanatical gamer/sucker. See that nice looking Sega Arcade Power Stick pictured below? I found it at a flea market for $50 CAD loose, and try as I did, I was unable to successfully negotiate for it.

To me, it’s not worth $50 even though I often see it priced at $60. I thought this was my chance to finesse my way into a good deal and I offered $40. The counter offer was $45… $5 off? Is that the best my sultry smile could do?

I felt like there was no room left to work with. So I walked away never to return. That’s right, never to return again. …but you see it pictured below. What happened? I’m getting to that.

I was with my wife and a few close friends who I was happy to share my failed negotiating story with. As we were leaving the flea market my wife said “Hold on. I’ll be right back”. And she disappeared into the crowd. I thought she was dashing off to buy yet another purse. I didn’t say that, I only thought that… cause if I said that she would bring up the whole video game collecting thing. We have an understanding.

She returned in about 3 minutes and to my surprise she was carrying my new Sega Genesis Arcade Power Stick. She handed it over to me and said “Here you go, it cost $35.”. My mouth flapped a bit and I think I said something like “How?”.

The wife gave me a break down of her tactics.

It was almost closing time for the Flea Market so she asked the seller if he really thinks  he’ll be able to sell it before then and if he really wanted it taking up space. She then offered $35 and said that is all the money she had. I didn’t witness it but I get the impression that she maintained a barrage of reasons as to why he should let it go until he agreed to her price. So in the end he handed over the joystick and she paid him with a $50 bill. Ha! That takes guts.

I didn’t even realize that the wife saw this joystick when I took my shot at buying it. She’s very observant and very thoughtful! Thank you my wonderful Wife!