Twig a starting price swindle (5)
I believe the answer is:
sprig
'twig' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'a starting price swindle' is the wordplay.
'a starting price' becomes 'sp'.
'swindle' becomes 'rig' (I've seen this in other clues).
'sp'+'rig'='SPRIG'
(Other definitions for sprig that I've seen before include "Small stem taken from a bush or plant" , "Spray or twig" , "Small twig" , "A child" , "Small stem bearing flowers" .)