Friday, September 4, 2009

it never hurts to ask.

If I learned one thing growing up, it was that it never hurts to ask-- and, that most prices are a bit flexible. My dad is a master at bargaining. I remember being embarrassed as a teenager when he would go haggle prices, trying to duck behind racks and isles in the process.
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This came to my mind when I spotted a pair of shoes on clearance for $10 (normally, $60!) at the shoe shop a few weeks ago. They were adorable yellow 40's style peep toe high heels with red cherries on them. I instantly fell in love-- until I saw the size. Size 6! Sadly, I set them back on the shelf-- knowing that I would never squeeze these step-sister gunboats of mine into a Cinderella sized opening. As I glumly made my way down-down-down the isle to the 10's (my size) I watched the shoe racks like a flip-book. The boxes gradually grew bigger and bigger, as did the shoes... becoming more clown-like in the process. I almost gave up as an all too familiar scene rattled around in my brain. Shoes look cuter in the smaller sizes... all too many times I have fallen in love with a shoe only to find that the extra materials needed to make it Sasquatch sized have ruined the whole look and design of it. Not only that, but I have been cursed with narrow arches, which makes the extra fabric and straps fall deflated and lifeless on my skinny foot.
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But then, I spotted them! The exact same style of shoe, in a vintage floral print. Same peep toe, same snappy bows, same cork heels but a size 9 and a half!--- but the clearance price tag read $30.

This is exactly when I conjured up memories of childhood. I gathered up the two boxes and marched right up to the front of the store to resolve this shoe issue once and for all!
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The teenage sales associate looked at me funny as I presented my offer. All I wanted was the $10 price that was tagged on the other shoe. They were the same style, the only difference was the color. Without saying a word, the cashier picked up both boxes and started scanning, typing, and snapping his gum. "We're trying to get rid of these shoes." He paused, "So, since you are asking, I will give them to you for $5."
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VICTORY!
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But, I stayed calm... game face, game face. "Can I still use my 20% off coupon?" I rummaged around in my purse.
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"Sure..."
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The total came out to $4 and change.

They hurt like heck, but for $4, I'll suffer through the pain.

25 comments:

Linda said...

They are sure cute though. I don't think I'll ever put on a pair of heels again. I wear flip flops in the summer and those awful clogs in the winter.

Tamie said...

em--there is NO way that you're feet are a size 10!!!! i have the same problem...tiny little body (5'3" and BIT feet (9-9 1/2) and yep--can never find the cute ones in the right size (hence my excitement in the boot thing-y)
those shoes are SUPER-CUTE!!!! way to haggle! actually i've seen quite a few little news spots and things of talk shows lately about haggling---even in a department store and grocery store.....it pays to be a little demanding sometimes---good for you!!!!

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

Sweet deal for some very pretty shoes! Good for you!

hoLLy said...

your last sentence made me laugh(i can relate!) most pretty shoes hurt. doesn't that just suck?

Tracy P. said...

Oh, you are SUCH a girl after my own heart!!!

Bree said...

These shoes are totally cute! What a bargain... it's so true that if you don't ask you don't get, way to go! Such pretty shoes for $4!

Anonymous said...

Cindy Lewis says:

Way to go Girl!

Meichelle said...

Where did you get them!? They are so adorable. Way to go!

Just Lisa said...

LOL! I love this post, and as a mommy with huge feet, I can totally relate!

Rebecca said...

4 bucks for something that cute...i love that.

nice job girlie!! ;)

Heather said...

That is awsome Emily. I however have the lovely gift of having size 6 feet. It is great. I need to find a deal like that. I remeber the last time I went shopping for myself. I need to join you sometime.

Amber said...

I hear you on the big shoe size dilemma. Nothing ever looks as cute in size 10! I remember when I was a size 7...those were the days...I was probably 10 :) Oh well. At least you got a great deal!

Nicole said...

I know what you mean about shoes not being as cute in a bigger size. I'm an 11 wide and often buy mens shoes. Great bargaining....I love when store clerks make your day like that :)

Love the houndstooth layout, btw.

wedogmomma said...

I spent this entire post nodding my head (ok, internally atleast)
I have Tugboats-(as my mom calls them)
and they are SO much less attractive in flashy patterns...
and I was SO happy with your story....so excited for you on the happy ending...then I had to LOL when I read that they hurt! Because REALLY, why can't we have it all?!?!?
Enjoy the super cute toe aches!

Emily said...

My kinda girl. Way to go. I love getting a good deal.

Unknown said...

Who is the crazy that conjured up the idea that a woman should walk around on her tippie toes on a tiny little peg elevating her heal several inches? I feel your pain sistah! Anything for cute though (and those are definetely cute)!

Anonymous said...

WELL DONE!!

Anonymous said...

They are cute, but no shoe is worth the pain -- no matter the price...

Julie said...

Funny post and GREAT shoes! An old friend came back into my life recently and brought a fabulous shoe wardrobe with her. I have realized how much I've forgotten that shoes make a difference. Sorry they hurt though.

.jimaie.marie. said...

LOVE these and I love the story behind them, that is SO somethig I would do lol! They are so adorable on you, I'm jealous! :D

Kellie H said...

I am there with ya..size 10 & I've totally doen the 9 1/2 thing too.
congrats on the cute steal!

Amy said...

What a great victory story in bargaining! I am so proud of you and a fantastic reminder that it never hurts to ask. I am sooo with you on that. From one shoe lover to the next, I am so excited for you right now!!

meg duerksen said...

AWESOME!!!

How Sweet It Is-A lifestyle blog said...

I love a Great Deal!! Those are SO cute.

Dad said...

This post made me burst out laughing in the public library.