-
Negotiations are always carried out with good humor, but not jocularity. Indian Kenyans and African Kenyans negotiate in different ways, so one tends to give the former wider room for negotiation and the latter more time. Definitely remain calm at all times, neither will give much quarter if they don’t like you and will not respect aggression.
-
Aggressive behavior is frowned upon, politeness and a humble approach is the key to win friends and influence people.
-
Negotiation is less an art than a necessity. Businesspeople tend to negotiate about everything – though less so in high-end stores in
Nairobi . Always expect to bargain. The seller will give you, especially as a white person or American, the highest price possible. This is usually 3-4 times, often more, than what another Kenyan will pay for the same item.
-
Business is business, and when the final price is reached, Kenyans will forget all ill will. In many cases the bargaining process may take a long time, depending on the price you are expecting and how touristy the area is. If sellers are used to tourists who shell out the first amount they ask, you will have a tough time bargaining for anything lower, though it can be done. It just takes persistence and a sense of humor.
-
A good strategy is to find out beforehand what items are worth to other Kenyans, and start out bargaining at a much lower price than that – the seller may appear offended, but he or she usually knows that it’s all part of the game.
|
|
