The SASA class of 2012 has acquired a new skill since our introduction to South Africa five days ago: we have learned to barter. We had our first experience shopping in the traveling marketplace habitually set up in the street of St. George’s Mall. Our backpacks on and cameras in hand, we were distinctly tourists and the obvious the target for persuasive vendors. While some of us naively caved to the initial price asked by the vendors, others adopted serious negotiation skills. One SASA member exchanged a New York t-shirt for a painting while others paired up into teams and worked together to compromise a reasonable price.
After a few more shopping experiences, it became apparent that each marketplace stand boasted nearly identical items. Bartering may be a new idea for us; however, it is a way of life for the typical street vendors. Their products lack uniqueness so they depend on winning customers through competitive pricing and alluring, pressing language. A few vendors claimed they made the trinkets themselves but would quickly shut down if asked why other vendors carried the same things. We are unsure of where the vendors get their merchandise: our best guess would be from a few main suppliers who mass-produce African-looking objects and souvenir items that are appealing to tourists like ourselves.
I personally made a point to speak with a few vendors, curious to better understand their lifestyle. I found that the vendors set up their stand every day – even the holidays. Stands are set up every morning around 7:30 a.m. and taken down every night around 6 p.m. The stands are never left alone during the day. The majority of the vendors themselves are not from South Africa; they instead have come from other parts of Africa and other areas of the world.
Our SASA group does not blend in well with the South African people yet: we are still waiting to settle in a bit more and to become completely acclimated to the culture. Our clothing and touristy backpacks and tennis shoes blatantly label us as Americans and we frequently get gypped by the persuasive vendors as a result. Needless to say, we have experienced more than a few rookie mistakes but as our course continues, our bartering skills will sharpen and our knowledge of South African shopping economics will grow.
Emily Cray SASA Class of 2012