Language/Wolof/Culture/How-to-bargain

How to bargain

Trainees should become familiar with the Senegalese method of bargaining. When you are quoted a starting price that is higher than the normal, don’t get angry and assume the vendor is trying to rip off you. Try to get the cheapest price possible by:

• Before the bargain starts it is good for you to know what the item is supposed to cost and what it’s worth to you.

• Walking away is one of the surest to check if the vendor can’t come down any further.

• Check the prices of different vendors.

• Be aware of when bargaining is appropriate and when it’s not.

• Don’t start bargaining unless you are serious about buying

• Go shopping with someone who is familiar with the system and see how it works

• Take it easy. Make it friendly and fun, it doesn’t need to be adversial

When to bargain

You must bargain for things but not for everything. However, if you feel you are charged with a price you think is too high, you can always try to bring it down, or look elsewhere. • Most items in the market are usually bargainable.

• Things in shops usually have fixed prices.

• Cooked foods are not often bargainable.

• Tourists’ things and handcrafts always need to be bargained.

• You also need to bargain for people’s service.

• Avoid confusion: Always negotiate prices beforehand to avoid confusion or arguments. For example, bargain with a tailor when you drop off the fabric, not when you pick up your complet.

Source

http://publish.illinois.edu/wolof201fall14/files/2014/08/NEW_WOLOF_BOOK.pdf

Other Lessons

• What are you expected to do
• Talking about bad experiences
• Time
• Visiting a sick person
• Social stratification or caste
• Gift of ceremonies
• Baptism or naming ceremony
• Gender consideration
• Ndéwènal
• Funerals