DAY 1: 3 COMMON THINGS YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO HEAR SHOPPING IN LAGOS THIS CHRISTMAS - IGBOAFRICANA
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DAY 1: 3 COMMON THINGS YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO HEAR SHOPPING IN LAGOS THIS CHRISTMAS

by - December 19, 2016


Before I write any further, I would like to just say; thank you for reading the first post of my “7 days of Christmas” posts.
Just like some of you, I am not exactly a big fan of shopping during Christmas, but somehow I always have need to visit the market and it is not just because I am a part-time personal shopper. Like me a number of you , although you try avoiding it end up shopping on Christmas Eve. If you would be spending your Christmas in Lagos there are a couple phrases you are bound to hear this season while shopping at major markets.
  • IT IS CHANGE

Everyone in Nigeria is familiar with the term “change” as it was the most used phrase during the nation’s last elections, and now it seems like it has suddenly become new market slang. From most of my visits to the markets in Lagos, I have found this phrase although, often used sarcastically, sellers use it to end customers haggling.  
Tip: Stay strong keep on haggling till you feel it’s worth the commodity , if the seller still does not lower the cost,politely let then know the price is too much for you and leave.
  • DOLLAR HAS GONE UP

Funny thing is even when the dollar rate is stable or even drops a few, sellers are stuck using the phrase “dollar has gone up” as an excuse to hike the prices of their goods. About a week ago a colleague, left the office to get a quick snack, and she didn’t want to spend much so she decided to get a pack of biscuits from a kiosk aka Mallam. She got to the kiosk and was told by the seller that the cost of biscuits from #40 naira were now #80 naira and that it was because of dollar and just between you and me, the biscuit in question is manufactured at Ogun state, Nigeria.
Tip: Never start an argument with the sellers, in this regard. If they use this phrase. Try to be extra nice “like you are the one trying to sell an item.
  • I NO TOO CHARGE (I didn’t charge you that much)

This has always been quite a common market term and is not dependent on season, but is currently a popular term because of the current economic situation of the country. Most sellers use the “I no too charge” line when they actually charge you more than they are supposed to. So if you happen to be at any market in Nigeria make sure you stand your ground and haggle it out! (It helps when you carry the exact amount of money you budgeted for shopping)

Shopping in Nigeria is hard as it is and it gets worse during Christmas season. Going to the market is a sure way to get affordable items. It is really important to know some of the basic terms sellers are most likely to use this season to remain a step ahead.
In my opinion shopping can be a bit complicated, especially when you have a strict budget. Be sure you share your thoughts and opinions by making use of the comments section below.

BE sure you check out tomorrow’s post, especially you ladies.
                         
                                                                                                                                                                            Image: cheeronnigeria.blogspot.com

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