Haggling/pricing means to dispute or bargain persistently over the price of something. In many parts of the world, this skill carried a hint of respectability and can even be a pleasurable activity.
When it comes to pricing in a Nigerian market, it becomes a case of "Only the strong survives". If you're not good at pricing, you're going to be ripped off.
In this article i'm going to give tips on how to haggle in a Nigerian market.
If it's your first time going to a market, it's advisable to go with someone that is experienced and knows the layout of that market.
Try to put away airs: You're going to the market to shop, not some fashion show so put away those fancy or expensive clothes and put on something simple.
Most times when sellers see someone dressed expensively they feel like they've found a "big fish" and will inflate the price of their goods trying to extort as muchHabakkuk 2:15 Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness! cash as they can from that person.
Also if you're a foreigner and have an accent, they'd probably try to extort you. But it would help if you know some local slangs or learn 'pidgin' to make the marketers feel like you're part of them.
Now time for bargain 101. 😁😁
Now one rule of the market is that, the closer the shop/stall is to the outskirt of the market, the more expensive their price might be. So if you have the patience to walk down to the heart of the market, you might get that gorgeous sandals you saw earlier on for a lesser amount.
Now based on personal experience, I've found that it helps me when i make small talk with the seller before i start pricing. It also helps if you can speak pidgin, it helps you relate better with the stall owners. Little things like, "good afternoon ma, how is business going?" could help, i feel like it builds a rapport or something. Just how i feel.
Now when you've been told the price of an item, I'd advice you to price as low as possible. For example, if you're told that a pair of earrings cost a Thousand Naira, you can start by pricing at Two Hundred Naira and then the haggling begins!!
Now the seller will try to sell his goods at the highest price possible so that he can make some money, and you'll want to bargain at the lowest price so you can make some money.
If you're not happy with the final price the seller gives you, be ready to walk away (or at least pretend to) and if he calls you back continue doing your thang!. If he does not go else where and start all over again.😃
I hope this tips are useful to you, and that you enjoyed reading it as much as i enjoyed writing it!. I'd like to hear from you, please upvote, follow and comment. Many thanks!!😄😄😘😘