Entrepreneur mum shares ‘uncomfortable’ market tactic customers do
- Replies 12
The Aussie market scene is among the liveliest and most vibrant in our cities and towns. Visiting the local farmers market or community fair is a treasured tradition.
You will also encounter small businesses in the market, and they are surely worth patronising for their uniqueness and diversity of products and services.
However, a small business owner voiced concern over one ‘tactic’ that seemed ‘uncomfortable’ for her.
Emma Kenney, owner of baby and toddler brand Angus the Label, recently expressed her dislike of people haggling with her at markets in a video online.
Haggling is a ‘tactic’ where people—most often insistently—ask for discounts on items being sold.
'I understand their point of view that this is obviously my business, and I do have the power to give them a discount if I choose to,' Emma said.
'There is also the mentality that if you don't ask, you don't receive. But, pushing for a discount from the business owner when the discount is not offered just makes everyone uncomfortable, particularly when the owner has clearly put so much passion into their business.'
It was a divisive opinion that struck a chord with Aussies, with many sympathising with Emma's point of view, saying that they don’t haggle in supermarkets like Woolworths, so they won’t also haggle with small business owners.
'I could never haggle. It’s so rude, plus would make me feel so uncomfy!' one person said.
'Like, do you haggle at the grocery store? No,' another person commented.
Another added, 'I've owned retail businesses and people like this get ignored if not banned.’
On the other hand, others felt that haggling is to be expected when you shop at markets.
'Isn't haggling the basis of markets? Isn't it meant to be a trade centre for the community?' one person asked.
'Boohoo, that’s the whole point of markets. Don’t like it, sell online or in a store,' said another.
Emma responded after all the feedback she received. She said that while she doesn't mind a bit of haggling in 'some circumstances', she does feel uncomfortable when 'people really push it or are impolite'.
'What I'm learning now is that I actually don't mind when people haggle, what I would appreciate is if people could haggle with a bit more knowledge about how small businesses work,' she said in her follow-up video online.
She advised people thinking of haggling to ‘haggle with education’—meaning they should factor in the costs to ‘consider’ how an item costs. Emma mentioned the following factors:
If you’re new to the concept of haggling but want to save a few bucks, you should check out our previous story! A retail worker revealed five simple words that could help you save more money on your next purchase. Read more about it here.
Members, have you ever haggled at the markets? Do you think it's acceptable? Let us know in the comments below!
You will also encounter small businesses in the market, and they are surely worth patronising for their uniqueness and diversity of products and services.
However, a small business owner voiced concern over one ‘tactic’ that seemed ‘uncomfortable’ for her.
Emma Kenney, owner of baby and toddler brand Angus the Label, recently expressed her dislike of people haggling with her at markets in a video online.
Haggling is a ‘tactic’ where people—most often insistently—ask for discounts on items being sold.
'I understand their point of view that this is obviously my business, and I do have the power to give them a discount if I choose to,' Emma said.
Small business owner Emma Kenney shared her thoughts about haggling. Credit: @angusthelabel / TikTok
'There is also the mentality that if you don't ask, you don't receive. But, pushing for a discount from the business owner when the discount is not offered just makes everyone uncomfortable, particularly when the owner has clearly put so much passion into their business.'
It was a divisive opinion that struck a chord with Aussies, with many sympathising with Emma's point of view, saying that they don’t haggle in supermarkets like Woolworths, so they won’t also haggle with small business owners.
'I could never haggle. It’s so rude, plus would make me feel so uncomfy!' one person said.
'Like, do you haggle at the grocery store? No,' another person commented.
Another added, 'I've owned retail businesses and people like this get ignored if not banned.’
On the other hand, others felt that haggling is to be expected when you shop at markets.
'Isn't haggling the basis of markets? Isn't it meant to be a trade centre for the community?' one person asked.
'Boohoo, that’s the whole point of markets. Don’t like it, sell online or in a store,' said another.
Emma responded after all the feedback she received. She said that while she doesn't mind a bit of haggling in 'some circumstances', she does feel uncomfortable when 'people really push it or are impolite'.
'What I'm learning now is that I actually don't mind when people haggle, what I would appreciate is if people could haggle with a bit more knowledge about how small businesses work,' she said in her follow-up video online.
She advised people thinking of haggling to ‘haggle with education’—meaning they should factor in the costs to ‘consider’ how an item costs. Emma mentioned the following factors:
- Time for design or creation
- Shipping costs
- Packaging costs
- Wages
- Market stall fees
- Product insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Subscriptions, like Adobe and accounting software
If you’re new to the concept of haggling but want to save a few bucks, you should check out our previous story! A retail worker revealed five simple words that could help you save more money on your next purchase. Read more about it here.
Members, have you ever haggled at the markets? Do you think it's acceptable? Let us know in the comments below!
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