The Story Behind the Price
Posted on August 13, 2010 - Filed Under Culture Clash, Guatemala, Simple Life | 4 Comments
I was in the market today and was buying my potatoes and realized that I love hearing the vendors give a reason for their prices to their clients. For example, the exchange I heard today:
Buyer: “How much for the bananas?”
Vendor: “Twelve for the dozen.” Lifts the bananas up. The buyer turns away. “But for you, ten. What? You don’t like them? These are beautiful bananas, no?”
Buyer: “It’s too much.”
Vendor: Lets out a heavy sigh, “Vaya, eight for you. Come on, you need them, what are you going to eat for dinner?”
Other bits that I’ve heard from vendors:
“Alright, alright, I’ll give you the potatoes for 2 (Q) a pound, because I have hungry children at home and have to sell something, even if I lose money.”
“The garlic is seven quetzales (for a 3 pack) because the storms have ruined the crops. I’m not making a single cent off this sale!”
Sometimes they try to make your mouth water . . .
“Look at these lovely eggplants, just think, you could fry them up in oil with some chicken, delicious!”
Or appeal to your parenting skills . . .
“Ay, your son is so skinny! He needs potatoes to grow big and strong, come, I’ll give you five pounds for ten quetzales.”
And my favorite . . .
“Ay, yes, the tomatoes are very expensive right now. I have to charge 5 a pound because the box costs me 60!” (I always wonder, are we supposed to know how much comes in a box? I’m sure not doing the math!)
Comments
4 Responses to “The Story Behind the Price”
Talk to Me, People!
Funny… I aways loved those reasonings. Like the old lady in india that could only sell me the peanuts cheaper because her donkey was NOT sick at the moment.
A guate lady once reduced the avocados for me, because she “couldn’t see my bum” and thought I deeded to to gain weight (which was correct, but certainly not my idea a bargain).
xo
Isn’t it hilarious how they come up with these bizarre things?! I love it!
I believe prices are pretty much set here. Negotiations are the quantity, not price! I have learned that my local produce guy always picks out the freshest stuff for me… digs through bins and things… but always throws in about 2-4 items more than I ask for.. 6 oranges becomes 8, 1/2 kilo carrots is 3/4kilo. I accept it, why not? Fresh fruit and veg is good for us and I should get my family to eat more. He usually will not accept a tip when carrying stuff to my car either. Guess I am buying enough to get the good service.
The picture is beautiful. I love shopping at an open market.