Wazzup Pilipinas!?
We’ve all been there—haggling at the market, trying to get a discount on a small purchase. For many of us, it’s almost second nature to ask for a little less, to bargain for a better deal, whether it's a bunch of bananas or a simple household item. But recently, I decided to stop haggling, and here's why.
A few weeks ago, I bought some fruits at a local market. When I handed the vendor 150 pesos, something caught my attention. The vendor took 100 pesos and tucked it into her belt bag. She then handed the remaining 50 pesos to her young daughter, who was in school uniform. The vendor smiled and said, “Thank you, ma’am. Buena mano ka! Malelate na nga siya, kaso wala pa akong benta kanina… buti dumating ka, may pamasahe na siya papuntang school.”
It was such a simple moment, but it hit me hard. That 50 pesos I was used to bargaining away didn’t even matter in the grand scheme of my own expenses. But for her, it was something more than just a few coins. It was a crucial part of her day, perhaps enough to feed her child or send her to school. That small amount of money could make a difference for her family, and here I was, trying to shave off a few pesos on my purchase without thinking twice.
This experience made me pause and reflect. It’s easy to forget that those we buy from in the markets or from small local businesses aren’t just making extra pocket money. They’re grinding—every day—just to get by. As a small business owner myself, I know how hard it is to make every sale count. Each transaction goes towards paying bills, supporting employees, and keeping the business afloat.
But here’s the irony: We, as consumers, are often quick to tip generously when dining at restaurants or supporting more established businesses. Yet, when it comes to small vendors and businesses just starting out, we tend to haggle for the smallest discount, almost as if we expect them to give us more for less.
And it's not just about the money—it’s about respect. The vendor isn’t begging for charity. She’s not asking for pity. She’s working hard every day to provide for her family. It’s easy to overlook the struggles of small-time entrepreneurs, especially when we're focused on getting the best deal. But every peso counts for them, just as much as every sale counts for larger businesses.
The truth is, I realized that those little discounts I was asking for, even though they felt insignificant to me, could make a world of difference to someone else. So, I decided to stop asking for discounts, especially when it’s something I can afford. Supporting these small businesses—whether it’s through paying the asking price or simply valuing their hustle—can have a more lasting impact than any discount I might have gotten.
I understand now that asking for discounts is not just about saving a little money—it’s about the power dynamics of business. We often forget that small businesses are struggling just as much, if not more, than the big corporations. They’re not just selling goods; they’re fighting to stay afloat in a tough economy, and their hustle deserves recognition.
So, next time you’re out shopping at the market or buying from an online seller, think about it. The person behind the counter, the small vendor you’re bargaining with, they’re working hard to survive. And while it may seem like a few pesos here and there don’t matter to you, they could make a world of difference to them.
Let’s support the grind. Let’s value the hustle. Respect the hard work of those who are just trying to make a living and provide for their families. Because, in the end, we all have to respect each other’s efforts—and that’s something money can’t buy.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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