Cheryl Baumgartner   Medical...
I had a bit of a laugh yesterday watching a "street hustler" trying to sell his wares. It was amusing because it was just about stereotypical. The only thing missing was the trench coat with all the watches attached to the lining. Luckily it seemed he was not having a good day. Nobody bought anything from him during the time I was watching.

Yes, I let him run his scam by me. It was difficult to keep a straight face when leaned close, lowered his voice and and loudly whispered "You know this stuff is hot." The "hot" property was a collection of cheap gold chains he probably bought in Mexico for next to nothing and was now selling for $40. Or at least that was the asking price. He was so desperate for a sale that he lowered the price to $15. Now I'm no jewelry expert but I know I'm not going to find a genuine 18k gold chain of that size for $15.

When he couldn't sell me on the chain he switched to his "bling". He reached in his pocket and pulled out some of the gaudiest paste rings ever created These rings had enough fake diamonds in them to shame the Hope Diamond. Again he had no sale, and I had another appointment to get to so I bid him good day at that point.

While I was driving to my appointment, it hit me. As comical as the whole exchange was, somebody must be buying from him. So just a word of warning, keep an eye out for these guys in your area. What they are selling is electroplate and paste. The sales tactic is designed to make you think you are getting something for nothing when in reality you are getting nothing for something.
Sep 28th 2007 08:52