Shopping in Shanzu’s markets is an exciting experience, filled with vibrant stalls, handcrafted souvenirs, and fresh produce. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the art of bargaining, you might end up paying more than necessary. In Kenya, especially in local markets, prices are often not fixed, meaning you have room to negotiate and get a fair deal.
Whether you’re looking for African crafts, beachwear, spices, or fresh seafood, knowing how to bargain will save you money and make shopping more fun. Here’s a beginner’s guide to bargaining in Shanzu’s markets like a pro!
1. Where to Bargain in Shanzu?
Not all places allow bargaining, so it’s important to know where haggling is expected. In Shanzu, you can bargain at:
🛍️ Mtwapa Market – Great for fresh fruits, vegetables, and household items.
🛍️ Shanzu Curio Shops – Perfect for handcrafted jewelry, Maasai sandals, and souvenirs.
🛍️ Beach Vendors – Selling local wood carvings, kiondo bags, and Swahili fabrics.
🛍️ Open-Air Stalls & Street Vendors – Found along Serena Road and the Mtwapa-Shanzu area, selling everything from clothing to art pieces.
However, supermarkets, malls, and fixed-price stores (like City Mall Nyali) do not allow bargaining.
2. Start with a Friendly Approach
Bargaining in Kenya is not aggressive—it’s more of a social exchange. Always start with a warm and friendly greeting:
😊 “Habari yako?” (How are you?)
😊 “Nzuri sana, asante!” (Very good, thank you!)
A smile and a polite attitude will set the right mood for negotiations. Vendors appreciate friendly customers, and this often results in a better deal.
3. Know the Local Price First
Before bargaining, it’s smart to get an idea of the actual price of an item. You can:
✔️ Ask a local (like your hotel staff) about typical prices.
✔️ Check different stalls before committing to a purchase.
✔️ Observe local shoppers—they usually pay a fairer price than tourists.
For example, if a wooden Maasai carving is quoted at KES 5,000 ($35) but a local says it should cost around KES 2,500 ($17), you’ll know what price to aim for.
4. The Rule of Half: Start Low
A common rule for bargaining in Kenya is to start at half the price of what is first quoted.
👕 Example:
- Vendor: “This kitenge fabric is KES 3,000.”
- You: “I’ll take it for KES 1,500.”
- Vendor: “No way! Maybe KES 2,500.”
- You: “Let’s do KES 2,000.”
- Vendor: “Okay, deal!”
Starting low gives you room to negotiate up, allowing you to land somewhere in the middle.
5. Use the Walk-Away Trick 🚶♂️
If a vendor refuses to lower the price, try politely walking away. This often triggers the classic:
🛍️ “Okay, wait! How much do you want to pay?”
At this point, you can offer your best price, and many times, the vendor will agree rather than lose the sale.
However, if they genuinely don’t budge, then the price might actually be fair—so don’t push too hard.
6. Buy More for Better Deals
If you’re buying multiple items, ask for a bulk discount. Vendors are more likely to offer a lower price if you’re purchasing more than one thing.
📿 Example:
- If one Maasai bracelet is KES 500, you can ask for 3 bracelets at KES 1,200 instead of KES 1,500.
Most vendors will gladly reduce the price for bigger purchases.
7. Pay in Cash & Have Small Bills
Most market vendors don’t accept card payments, so always carry cash in Kenyan shillings (KES).
💰 Why small bills help?
- If you have a KES 1,000 note, a vendor may say, “I don’t have change”, forcing you to overpay.
- Having exact change makes transactions smoother and faster.
If you prefer digital payments, M-Pesa (Kenya’s mobile money service) is widely accepted in local markets.
8. Respect the Seller & Know When to Stop
Bargaining is fun, but always respect the seller’s limits. Some items have fixed costs, especially handmade crafts that take a lot of time to create.
💡 If a price feels fair and reasonable, it’s okay to pay without haggling too much—after all, you’re supporting local businesses and artisans.
Final Thoughts: Bargain Like a Pro in Shanzu!
Bargaining is part of the shopping culture in Kenya, and with a friendly attitude and smart negotiation, you’ll get the best deals on souvenirs, fabrics, and local crafts.
If you want a comfortable shopping experience, stay at Shanzu Beachfront Apartments Ltd, where you’ll get insider tips on the best markets and reliable transport to and from shopping areas!
📞 Call: +254733993375 / +254735140150
📍 Location: Pangoni Road, Off Serena Road, Eden Beach, Shanzu, Mombasa
🔗 Visit: www.shanzubeachfront.com
🛍️ Happy shopping and enjoy bargaining in Shanzu!
