wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

This segment reminds me of Speaking of Faith; here's the show from 2/23/2006:

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/godsofbusiness/

"I mean, take a simple thing like no bargaining. In most, you know, the more established the market becomes — and it doesn't matter which part of the world you're in — the less haggling and negotiation is a mark of that market. This tradition was really started by Jewish and Christian people who believe in the value of time and said, "Time is so important that the amount of time that's wasted in negotiation can be — and in haggling in marketplaces — can be reduced if we just go for a fair price that is fixed. And provided I'm making a decent return, I don't have to start at 300 percent of what I'm expecting to get or 1,000 percent of what I'm expecting to get. I can just start with what I expect to get." And that has become established over time as being international business practice. But where it comes from is the value of time vs. the value of money. If time is the most important thing in life, then you shouldn't waste it haggling."

here's a little more context:

In an age of Enron and WorldCom, how can we imagine a place for business ethics, much less religious virtue, in the global economy? We speak with a Hindu international business analyst who offers learned, fascinating observations about how the world's myriad religions have shaped global business norms and practices.

Mr. Guptara: Yes, because you find that the most, within quotes, "developed" or "sophisticated" business practice goes in the direction of what we might describe as international business practice — international best business practice. And international best business practice comes out of the Jewish and Christian tradition.

[... the initial quote followed ...]

Shop at local stores and develop a relationship with them. I broke my glasses, while uninsured, and they gave me the frame I wanted with free lenses for a very good price!

My dentist bill - the insurance cover half and I have to pay half - how can I haggle my half?

So lawyers are puffing up legal bills and you can see it? I am beyond offended. Where did WNYC get the cash for it's new digs, and your new "Greene space"? Did you discuss all that in your pledge drives as you were planning these the move? WHy am I donating to people who think I'm an untrustworthy vulture? Turning off the radio right after I hit "submit".

I asked the owner of my nearby pet store if he would give me a "frequent-clipper" discount for my dog's nails. I've cut back on all of my expenses and $15 a nail clipping for my dog isn't in my budget. Since I can't cut her nails myself, I had no choice but to let her nails grow to lengths most women would envy. I asked nicely and the storeowner agreed. He has a devoted customer now.

Many people tell me they have been haggling rent prices all over the city!! I like that!

I have to say, we've always negotiated with our cusomers, but now as a small business, we've been hit really hard by people assuming that we should be thankful for what ever they give us. It's really not always fair to the business.

Just yesterday we negotiated our rent down for our lease renewal. The landlord started out by offering a $50-a-month reduction. We requested more, based on our own tightening finances, and the landlord came back a few hours later with a $250-a-month reduction. Obviously the landlord has more information available about rent trends than we do, so I think it's pretty telling that they were so willing to drop it so quickly. People should definitely bargain aggressively.

There has to be some damage to the merchandise for the larger stores to haggle.

Small, independent retailers are much more likely to negotiate than big chain stores.It's a win-win: you pay a lower price, but the money you spend stays in your community.

why is bargaining accepted in smaller arenas (i.e. brooklyn flea, etc) and not in more corporate places like wall-mart, target etc..