It starts with a simple DM. A potential customer asks how much your product costs. You type out the figure. Then, before you even hit send, that small voice in your head speaks up.
"What if they think it is too expensive?"
"What if they see it cheaper somewhere else?"
So you quickly add a softener. You say things like "But I can do a small discount for you" or "Price is negotiable." You apologize before the customer even complains.
This fear is the single biggest reason why talented vendors in our market stay broke while looking busy.
When you apologize for your price, you are sending a secret message to your buyer. You are telling them that you do not actually believe your product is worth that amount. You are signaling that your quality is not premium.
Think about the brands you trust. When you walk into a supermarket to buy a loaf of bread or a packet of sugar, you do not ask the cashier for the "last price." You pay because you trust the value of what you are buying. You know what you are getting.
The customers who drag you down for every last naira are usually the ones who will give you the most headache later. They will complain about delivery fees. They will ask for refunds over small issues. They drain your energy.
On the other hand, the customers who pay your full price without arguing are the ones who respect your time. They value quality over cheapness.
So how do you fix this today?
Next time a customer asks for the price, state it clearly. Do not add an explanation. Do not offer a discount immediately. Just state the price and wait.
The silence that follows might feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary. Give the customer space to decide. If they truly want quality, they will pay. If they only want cheap, let them go to a cheaper vendor.
You are not just selling a product. You are selling the time you spent sourcing it, the effort you put into packaging it, and the guarantee that you will deliver what you promised. That peace of mind has a cost. Do not be afraid to charge for it.
