An Easy Mark

​I suspect I’m not the first person to get caught up in an Indian ripoff in Aurangabad. My first mistake was going into the store at all. My second mistake was not being prepared once I got sucked into the vortex of these “exceptional” salesmen. My third mistake was not haggling. Very seldom do I haggle in the USA. I can’t offer less for groceries or clothing or pretty much anything. 

I also just don’t like the whole process. I make a counter offer and pretty soon I’m buying EVEN MORE stuff. I generally like people and want to get along. That makes me an easy mark for any of the experts at the entrance to the Ellora Caves. 

So, yes. I paid too much for a beautiful amethyst geode. And yes, I spent the next 24 hrs beating myself up. With a rip off, there’s the financial cost, but there’s also the emotional cost. Reliving the scenario over and over again. Recognizing the obvious signs of the cheat after the fact. Having conversations with absent people. Ugh! 

I learned a tough lesson that day and am looking forward to showing off my new purchase and sharing the story of my shame with friends and family. And I do really like my new amethyst geode 🥰