Bargain shopping in local craft markets is expected, but can be tricky. Most Tanzanians say talking is how they do business so having a 2-minute chat about the piece of art and how much you’re willing to pay is normal. However, it’s hard to answer them when they ask for your lowest price and you know in the back of your head that the average annual salary in Tanzania is $365. Most shopkeepers make more than this because they charge a tourist (or mzungu) price. 
What locals might pay 2,000 tsh for, we would probably pay 10,000. The situation is somewhat of a catch-22; while you know you’re dickering down their only means of income, you also know they are overcharging you just because they can. The second you pick something up to look at it (all stalls are incredibly crowded with merchandise) or ask how much it costs, you’re hassled about purchasing it until you decide to politely walk away. Sometimes, though, you might have to be more firm. Brady has been chased down the street with a guy trying to sell her something she didn’t want. Another separate time, a line of stalls heard she was looking for something in particular so every one of them had that item picked out as we walked by. In Dar es Salaam, they ask you in a soft desperate voice to support mama’s shop. It’s hard to not buy something, but we’re having trouble as it is carrying things around. The good news is that most every shop sells the same items; therefore, it's best to shop around before immediately settling on the first one you see. That way you can use your research as leverage to get the price you intend to pay--if they don't agree then feel free to move on because someone will. We felt bad at first about bargaining a lot until we sat beside a Zanzibar shop owner on the way to Mumbai for holiday (which means they can't be doing too badly). Regardless, whether or not you think you have the skills and charisma to bargain--they know the right things to say so that you leave genuinely feeling like you received, what they call a "goody" price.
What locals might pay 2,000 tsh for, we would probably pay 10,000. The situation is somewhat of a catch-22; while you know you’re dickering down their only means of income, you also know they are overcharging you just because they can. The second you pick something up to look at it (all stalls are incredibly crowded with merchandise) or ask how much it costs, you’re hassled about purchasing it until you decide to politely walk away. Sometimes, though, you might have to be more firm. Brady has been chased down the street with a guy trying to sell her something she didn’t want. Another separate time, a line of stalls heard she was looking for something in particular so every one of them had that item picked out as we walked by. In Dar es Salaam, they ask you in a soft desperate voice to support mama’s shop. It’s hard to not buy something, but we’re having trouble as it is carrying things around. The good news is that most every shop sells the same items; therefore, it's best to shop around before immediately settling on the first one you see. That way you can use your research as leverage to get the price you intend to pay--if they don't agree then feel free to move on because someone will. We felt bad at first about bargaining a lot until we sat beside a Zanzibar shop owner on the way to Mumbai for holiday (which means they can't be doing too badly). Regardless, whether or not you think you have the skills and charisma to bargain--they know the right things to say so that you leave genuinely feeling like you received, what they call a "goody" price. 
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