Do not confuse the title with ‘Desis Love a Bargain’. No doubt, they love that too, (and we’ll get to that) but the bargain is so much sweeter as a noun once they’ve had to employ the verb to get it. Desis especially love to bargain in places where the price is supposedly fixed. Desis, being an exceedingly whimpy billion or so folks, consider bargaining in unknown and dangerous territory their version of thrill seeking.
For example, observe an otherwise soft-spoken uncle at a restaurant where his food is cold, poorly prepared or simply displeasing to him. Watch as he negotiates his way into ordering a new dish, getting the entire meal for free for him and his 6 friends, and walking away with a coupon for another free meal.
Or imagine an auntie at a store trying to get a new dress. A simple transaction that involves choosing a dress and paying the full price would be too, well, Americanized. She will first find fault with the chosen dress, then call the manager and press for at least a 10-15% discount, then use her ‘buy one get one free’ coupon to secure a second dress, and then come back to return the free second dress without the receipt for store credit.
It is therefore advisable to have a Desi at hand when in need of a discount. She will be most happy to oblige. Asking questions about specific bargaining techniques will earn you favor amongst Desis and possibly a free mango lassi.
Or imagine a respectable father who used his hard-earned insinuating influence with the management of his IT company in order to put every single member of his entire immediate family (only 27 of them - barely educated and English-semiliterate ) on the company payroll as “Data Architect”, “Database Administrator“, “Systems Engineer”, “Business Analyst” and the like.
Mysteriously, some are quickly promoted as, a ahem, “minority”.
Meanwhile, (this time for a fee) the conniving father moves on to facilitate employment for the extended family as well as unrelated diaspora.
Great set of posts!
Some time back in the US City I live one Indian grocery shop opened. On grand opening day it was sparkling clean, wide isles and perfect produce. With all the competition around, they soon suffered. Even the “Desi Bazaar” (really Pakistani) gained some business for a short period. Then, the store changed managment and the tidiness went down hill! Now it is cluttered, imperfect produce amongst scant perfect pieces and the need to search for expiration dates - albeit it is clean I guess. Now their business is booming again! It’s like without finding the perfect banana in the middle of the pile of bruised ones there is no sense of shopping pleasure!