The Flea Market Negotiator - Part 2
Integrity — The No-Lie Zone
Let’s talk about integrity—not the heavy-handed, “thou shalt not” kind, but the kind that keeps you from becoming the human equivalent of a dodgy used car salesman.
Integrity has a bit of a PR problem. Say the word, and people think you’re about to start quoting scripture or lecturing them on moral decay. But here’s the deal: integrity isn’t religious. It’s functional. It’s practical. It’s adulting done right.
It’s telling the truth even when lying would be easier, cheaper, or way more entertaining. It’s not telling someone your blender is “gently used” when it’s basically a fire hazard with buttons. It’s resisting the temptation to say, “Trust me,” when you haven’t earned it.
Here’s a fun fact: even gangs—literal criminal organizations—value honesty. If the bad guys can figure out that trust matters, surely we, the law-abiding folks, can manage a little of it at work, at home, and yes, even at the flea market.
To build integrity:
Follow the rules. Or, at the very least, know which ones you’re breaking—and why.
Keep your promises. Even the small, awkward ones like “I’ll call you back.”
Stop lying. Seriously. You’re not fooling anyone. Except maybe your cat, and even they’re suspicious.
Being a person of integrity means you can sleep at night, look people in the eye, and not feel like you’re constantly performing damage control. It builds trust. And trust is currency—at home, at work, and in any negotiation. Because here’s the truth: no one likes haggling with a weasel.
So keep it clean. Keep it real. And remember, integrity might not always get you the lowest price, but it will get you the best reputation.