Gateway Parts

Why do Somalians ask for a discount all the time?

I work in a small local computer repair shop. We get a lot of Somalians bringing in their computers. Now, don't think I'm racist but many of them ask for a discount. These discounts are usually way bigger than I could possibly allow (like half off almost). Is there a reason that Somalians ask for discounts? Is it part of their culture or do they generally have less money than other people maybe? Q. where do you live that you have a bunch of Somalians around?? A. I live in Central Minnesota. Our shop for some reason gets a lot of Somalians. Maybe because of our prices (we are cheaper than most shops). Our area is also full of Somalian immigrants. I have no idea why.

Public Comments

1. It's probably both...in their culture it's ok to barter and ask for a lower price, as well as haggle for prices. And most are immigrants so yeah, they don't have much money to spare. Don't worry, you're not being racist, its a true statement.
2. Somalians are poorer than most. Somalia almost Ethiopia, which is near Somalia. What do you think? I'm not racist either, just saying.
3. They come from a bartering culture and this is what they're used to doing.
4. Yes! It is part of the Indian Ocean culture. Just do the same when you do business with them..
5. I heard that in the northern part of Africa, especially in Morrocco, negotiating the price of something is the custom and is expected. Maybe this is part of Somalian culture too.
6. where do you live that you have a bunch of Somalians around??
7. You can't be a "racist". Somalia is NOT a "race" If your shop offers NO discounts, then post a "notice" over by the register stating that "no discounts are offered".
8. Minnesota is like a Somali central of Somali immigrants in the US. Somalis tend to move in areas where they know other Somalis so that they can help each other out when adjusting to life in North America. Better than struggling alone, right? In Somalia, it is customary to haggle the prices of merchandise. It's the same in many other African or Middle Eastern countries. It's sort of considered an art. There are no fixed, unchanging prices in Somali stores (in Somalia). My father still hasn't accepted that this is different in Canada after nearly 30 years of living in North America. It can be kind of embarrassing being a store with him trying to haggle the price of a game station down about $20.