The First Sale for the Day
In London, in the street market-places, amongst the stall-keepers, it is considered unfortunate to refuse a “first bid” for an article. It brings bad luck on the day’s selling, and it is better to get the first sale over, even at a loss. In all such places, much to the stall-keeper’s exasperation, there are to be found mean folks who are known as hansel (first-sale) hunters, and who are early at market, on the alert to take advantage of the poor vendor’s superstition. The latter is well aware of the paltry device to obtain goods at less than cost price; but though he may swear somewhat, he will rarely turn away the “first bid,” and “chance” it for the day. When he has taken hansel money, he would as soon think of throwing it into the road as putting it into his pocket without first “spitting upon it.”