A Career in Procurement?

Today we went to the market to try to find Scott a new computer bag and some shirts. There are several markets here in Shanghai that sell handbags, clothes, accessories, etc. It is a good place to get some name-brand or name-brand-like items at great prices. However, the only way to get great prices is to negotiate the price way down from the ridiculously high price originally quoted.

After several hours of bargaining and getting some really good deals, we were walking towards the exit when Annie spied a purse she wanted to check out. After thoroughly inspecting it, she asked the clerk “how much?” As the woman went to retrieve her calculator, Juliet leaned back against a suitcase, crossed her arms, and stuck out her belly. The woman had barely turned the calculator to us to show us her price quote, when Juliet belted out “NO” in an almost offended tone – as if to say, “Are you trying to cheat me here lady?” Needless to say – in the end it was the cheapest purse Annie has purchased in Shanghai.