During a trip to Kovalam beach in Kerala, I saw a coconut vendor in midst of a busy crowd. It was a humid day & having tender coconut water seemed like the right thing to do.
I saw a few customers bargaining for coconut. Although the vendor politely told them prices are non-negotiable, they kept insisting nevertheless. He gave up & agreed to a discounted price. When it came to my turn, the vendor said ‘Sir, please fixed price.’
I never negotiate with roadside vendors. They toil to honestly make their ends meet. It’s inhuman to be unreasonable with them. ‘Not at all, tell me the price for your best coconut water. I’ll pay,’ I said.
He smiled & got me a good coconut from the back of his shop. ‘The special ones are at the backside. People who bargain get these ordinary coconut kept in the front,’ he explained before I even asked.
When I had the coconut water, it tasted like heaven. He had especially wrapped few good ones in a wet cloth to make them cold. ‘How much do I pay?’ ‘It’s totally up to you. You decide,’ he said. I paid almost double, voluntarily. I had no regrets, only a big happy smile.
Always remember: Think before any negotiations. You get what you pay for. Quality is not cheap. Holds good for good employees, good vendors, good products. Period
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