This is to advise all the tourist or any other person who is in Kenya for shopping, and would want to save a few dollars/Kenya shillings.
Step 1
Don't be in a hurry to buy anything that is available. If you're sure that whatever you want is not running out of stock then don't be in a hurry.
Step 2
Try and find out the price of the item you want to buy, and don't carry the money along with you.
Step 3
Always, the price that you're told is awfully inflated. This may be because you are new to that part of town, or of a different race or tribe, or your way of dressing may also determine how much you get charged.
Step 4
Always let the seller do most of the talking because he is the boss.
Step 5
Pretend to have seen the commodity/item in another shop and that the price wasn't as high as his.
Step 6
In the event of him trying to reduce the price, by giving a discount, try and find out how much he has given you as discount.
- Compare it to his original offer, e.g say he started at Kshs 800, and now he wants to sell it to you at 650, he has given you a discount of 150, then the cost price must be about Kshs 500.
- After establishing this, now decide down much you can offer him as a margin above his cost price of 500.
- Counter offer by telling him that you want to pay 450.
- He/she will disclose to you that that's below the cost price and that he bought it at 500.
- Then counter offer again to 550
- He will complain.
- Then lastly offer him 570(20 shillings above your previous offer)
- He will complain that addition of 20 shillings is too minimal.
- Then counter offer by making it 50, hence the new price is 600. This is less of his first price of 650.
- Remain defiant
Step 7
He will accept the price, after which he will require the money. Tell him to wait.
Step 8
Go get the money. If you find another shop stocking the same item, try and get a better price than 600. If it's impossible then go back to the first shop.
Tips
- Always find as many shops that stock that item the same product
- Don't be in a hurry to buy
- Don't always carry the money
- Be defiant
- Act like you don't really want the item
- Let the seller do most of the talking
- Pretend to be a regular customer
Warnings
- Be careful where you buy the items - it should be a safe zone. If you are in Nairobi, avoid buying things in River road without being given a receipt.
- Insist on a receipt always, an ETR(electronic tax receipt)to ensure legality, then walk out.
