I know things are tight out there and that a leg of lamb is now the price of a one-bedroom flat,but here are three adults arguing over $4,the price of a babyccino!

Clearly,this isn’t about cost. It’s about principle – and that’s why we’re all feeling like grumpy koalas. The customer wanted to get that feel-good feel that she’s succeeded in being a blue-faced watch wearer for next to nothing. The volunteer wanted to give the blue-faced watch wearer a lesson in manners.

I’m beginning to think that op shops are seen by some as glorified garage sales where it’s dog-eat-dog and everyone happily goes in for the kill. Our last garage sale,where we advertised some sad old chandeliers (complete with missing prisms),was bloodier than King Charles’ hunt in autumn.

But hagglers of the world unite. And they’re always armed with a favourite strategy. We volunteers have to be on our toes. For example,a customer complains that the cushion they want to buy is very old (then please don’t buy it),there’s a hole in this cardigan (let me get out the magnifying glass),will this mark come out in the wash? (I would say,um,yes definitely),the zip on this jacket is stiff (try Castrol chainsaw oil) …

Perhaps the most bizarre bargaining tool is when customers let us know that they regularly donate to the shop:“I’ve donated all my wire coat hangers to this establishment”. As a volunteer,you must not melt under the harsh glare of entitlement. “That’s kind,” you must say,adding:“Yes,people around here are very generous”. (Don’t budge an inch.)

And this is the happy truth. The generosity of the local community hugely compensates for any mean spirits we bump up against. It’s what keeps our op shops alive – not just in top-shelf donations but in exquisite gestures. Like the guy who appears at the door every month with a $20 donation,the customer who waves away their change,the woman who leaves cinnamon teacake and a thank-you note for the volunteers.

A final tip – next time you’re in an op shop and you’re lucky enough to discover a forgotten Picasso or a Ming vase,for heaven’s sake,pay the marked price and run for the hills. You can’t haggle with that.

Jo Stubbings is a freelance writer.