An image of me
There’s one thing about the Igbos in Nigeria, the art of having the power of dominance and knowing the art of persuasion (convincing) and this is one of the reason I get close to them.
I didn’t plan to buy anything that day, in fact, I was only passing through the market, my mind fixed on getting one item and leaving as quickly as possible. But markets have a way of slowing you down and Igbo traders have a way of stopping you completely.
Fine girl, come and see quality stuffs, one voice called out. I ignored it, yet another voice followed, softer, almost friendly. No pressure, just check it. Looking is free, that's the line that got me hooked me, not because I believed it, but because of how effortlessly it was delivered so i turned.
The man smiled like he had known me for years, praising God's creation, before I could speak, he had already read my hesitation. You don’t need it now, I know but when you need it, you’ll remember you saw something better. That was the first move of convincing me, not selling the product, but planting the idea on my mind
I picked it up, casually and this Igbo trader didn’t rush me. Instead, he told a story of who bought it last week, how it lasted longer, why cheaper ones would disappoint me. Every word felt less like a pitch and more like an advice. That’s when I realised I was no longer just a passerby
Then came the comparison, he showed me two options, one average, one slightly better that is if it’s me, I’ll go for this one but you choose. That subtle shift of control made it feel like my decision, even though he had already guided it.
I tried to leave, okay let me think about it, I said.
He laughed lightly, of course, think. But if you come back, price might change. Market no dey wait all of it was enough to make me pause.
Somehow, I stayed.
The negotiation began, not as a battle, but as a dance. He reduced the price before I even asked properly, because na you, ooo he added, as if I was special among hundreds.
Minutes later, I was walking away with the product I never intended to buy.
Halfway home, it hit me, I didn’t just buy an item, I bought into confidence, storytelling, patience, and strategy, that’s the art. Igbo traders don’t just sell goods, they sell belief, faith, skill, persuasion and love
And the most fascinating part?
You leave feeling like it was your idea all along.