Tips: Travelling to Africa? Learn The Art of Bargaining for Souvenirs in The African Way

 

Photo Credit: TripSavvy

In many parts of Africa, items are often worth whatever the seller can get. Once you get the hang of bargaining, it’s all part of the fun. Hagglers are rarely trying to rip you off, so there’s no point getting all hot and bothered about it. Decide what price you’re prepared to pay and if you can’t get it, simply decline politely and move on. 

The following tips will help you hone your bargaining skills, but try to keep a sense of proportion – have you just wasted half an hour of your time arguing over a price difference that is worth a packet of chewing gum back home? By the same token, paying the first price asked may make it that much more difficult for the next person who comes along.

• Everyday Goods

Market traders selling basic items such as fruit and vegetables may raise their prices when they see a wealthy foreigner (that’s you), so some minor bargaining could be called for, as long as you know the price that locals pay. But away from cities or tourist areas, many sellers will quote you the local price.

After a couple of days in a new country (when you’ll inevitably pay too much a few times), you’ll soon learn the standard prices for basic items. But don’t forget that these can change from place to place – a soft drink in a remote village can cost significantly more than what you’ll pay in a city.

• Souvenirs

At craft and curio stalls, where items are specifically for tourists, bargaining is very much expected. Some vendors may ask a price four (or more) times higher than what they’re prepared to accept. You decide what you want to pay, and your first offer might be half this or even less. The vendor may feign outrage, while you plead abject poverty. Then the vendor’s price starts to drop, and you make better offers until you arrive at a mutually agreeable price.

• Self Respect

Something to remember when bargaining is your own self-respect. Souvenir sellers normally give as good as they get, but if their ‘final’ price is close to what you’re prepared to pay, consider accepting it. Bargaining for goods should reflect an understanding of a fair wage. You’ll avoid stress, and most locals need that money more than you do.

• And Finally….

Purchase local handicraft and products to support the local economy using the principle of fair trade. Do not buy counterfeit products or items that are prohibited by national/international regulation.

Happy travel and be responsible traveller…

Check out our article on: Five (5) Ways to be a Responsible Traveller.