These Boots Were Made For Walking Cheaply

(I work in a thrift store, and I am basically in charge of shoes and purses. On occasion, I get a rare or expensive pair that gets donated, and these go in a glass case for display rather than on the floor.)

Customer: “May I see the [Expensive Brand] shoes?”

(I bring them out and the customer eyes them critically.)

Customer: “This is a thrift store, isn’t it?”

Me: “Yes, ma’am.”

Customer: “Most of your other shoes aren’t more than $5 or $6! How do you justify charging $30 for this pair?”

Me: “It’s actually quite easy to justify, actually. This brand retails for $200 each. I took $50 off because this pair is used, then took an additional 80% off because we’re a thrift store. We actually beat out [Competitor Thrift Store] in prices all the time.”

(The customer actually stops and looks wide-eyed.)

Me: “Of course… if that price isn’t low enough for you, I’m sure someone else would be happy to pay that price for those boots…”

Customer: “No! I’ll buy them right now! Sold! Ring me up, please!”

(I guess justifying my prices is quite easy when no one else in the city offers discounts like that.)