In the world of shopping, we all have that one friend who seems to have mastered the art of bargaining. You know the type, they'll bargain over something you wouldn't even think of negotiating because, in your eyes, the price seems fair.

But for them, it's a challenge they can't resist.

Most of the time, these expert ‘negotiators’ will fight tooth and nail to shave even a mere ten bob off the original price.

Read: Biz Lounge: Why businesses in Nakuru are shying away from paybill, till numbers

It's as if they have all the time in the world as they engage in a battle with the seller, and if you happen to be their shopping companion, you better make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes and have no other plans for the day.

Recently, I witnessed someone who firmly believed that the clothes she had purchased were sold to her at an outrageously inflated price.

She claimed that 'amegongwa' given that she was a regular customer. In these tough economic times, every shilling counts, right?

As Joy* casually scrolled through her WhatsApp status, she stumbled upon her regular shop owner's update, where the price of a dress she had bought just a few days ago was listed at Sh 1,500, a whopping Sh 300 less than what she had paid.

Naturally, Joy was enraged, and she decided to express her displeasure to the seller.

Also Read: Biz Lounge: From almost facing closure to building one of Nakuru's top Ankara fashion brand

She embarked on a lengthy rant, sending paragraphs that were reminiscent of those you'd receive from a scorned girlfriend or boyfriend – no discrimination here. But that wasn't enough for Joy as she went the extra mile and sent voice notes to the seller.

In her fury, she even visited the shop along Gilani's road in person, unleashing words aimed at the seller and their employee, complete with threats of never returning.

I couldn't help but contemplate the unwritten rules of the shopping game.

After all, in the world of business, it's fair game, and if you want to emerge victorious, you must sharpen your bargaining skills. The seller, in this case, wasn't necessarily at fault.

We've all found ourselves in similar situations, but instead of blaming the seller, we're usually asked if we did enough bargaining.

If you're aware that your negotiation skills are lacking, it's time to call on that friend of yours who can twist the seller's arm better than you, rather than complaining later, remember that it's all part of the business.

Related: Biz lounge: From a humble mitumba stall in Nakuru to a multi-million clothing enterprise

Joy might have sworn never to return, but let's be honest, it's quite likely she'll be back.

Without sharpening her bargaining skills, she might find herself facing higher prices from less sympathetic sellers who will sell the same dress to her at Sh 2,500.

mercykihugu@gmail.com

Bargaining: The secret weapon when shopping in Nakuru city

Author Spotlight

Mercy Kihugu