Post #77815 by SugarCaddyDaddy on Wed, Feb 25, 2004 2:02 AM

Next time you go to that flea market, slip a Trader Vic's swizzle stick in your pocket. When you see that dealer, who will most likely still have those shakers for $65, ask him if he would trade his shakers your authentic "slave-trade" FLOGGING stick!

A few months ago, I was at a small antique shop that was closing down and was known for having grossly overpriced items (No, not "high priced". There is a difference). I had been there a few times, but never bought anything, but did stop in since they were having 50% off everything. On the shelf of one of the "locked" cases, there was a Tiki Farm "I Dream of Tiki" mug for $79.99. The 50% off would make it about $40 plus tax. Still waaaay overpriced. I asked why the mug was so high priced. The owner responded that it was a vintage vase made back when "I Dream of Jeannie" came out. I laughed and told him that it was a mug made by a local company by the name of Tiki Farm. He didn't believe me and told me he remembered seeing that exact "vase" years ago. I told him to look at the bottom of "the vase" and to see where it says Tiki Farm and the year 2002 was written next to it. This guy was determined NOT to be wrong and he said that I was mistaken and that Tiki Farm was a company from years ago and that the 2002 on the bottom was the "Limited Edition" number. Feeling a bit challenged, I told him that I would make him a deal: We would call up Tiki Farm and verify whether or not that "the vase" was made in 2002. If I was right, he would give me the vase. If I was wrong, I would pay him his full (original) asking price of $79.99.

He then said he was too busy to play phone games and the price was the price. I wished him good luck in selling the piece and I left the store to let the "too busy" store owner get back to his show playing on the television on his desk.