Most times when we walk into big malls, boutiques, supermarkets, we never question their prices. We pay exactly what we see on the price tags and even hand out tips to the staff.
But the moment we are out of these shops and want to buy banana, our bargaining game gets off to the roof.
Poor widow with 12 hungry children at home tells you banana is N100. She even takes out her time to explain how difficult it was for her to even buy it, how the economy is so tough. But we insist that if it's not N50, we are not paying.
Some of us even step back into our cars and make to drive away. But because 'half bread is better than chin chin', this woman is forced to call you back and sell to you at little or no gain.
In her heart, she cries, she's worried about how she'll survive with her children. She silently reassures herself that 'It's well. God will definitely provide.''
While you happily chop the luscious banana. Take some seconds out and think about this.
I'm always moved to tears when I see people who genuinely and helplessly hawk petty goods to feed and survive for that day, especially women and children.
Please don't bargain hard with small vendors like this. They do business not to buy designer bags, trendy phones and watches, Gucci shoes and designer clothes but to LIVE and EAT for that day and the children share the remaining money to take to school the next day (that's if there's any left).
"He who gives to the poor lends to his maker"