Ella Johansen, part of the travel blogging group ‘Living the Jo Life,’ found herself in the midst of online criticism after attempting to bargain at Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar market. The incident unfolded when Johansen tried to negotiate the price of a green kurta at a ‘Fixed Price’ shop in the famous market, known for its budget-friendly options and haggling culture.
While Sarojini Nagar is a hotspot for bargain hunters, the attempt to negotiate at a ‘fixed price’ shop, where prices are typically non-negotiable, drew backlash. In a video capturing the incident, Johansen, interested in a green kurti priced at ₹350, attempted to haggle by offering ₹250, citing the equivalent of ₹350 being 6 Australian Dollars. Despite her persistence, the shopkeeper declined to lower the set price, and Johansen eventually purchased the kurti for ₹350.
Words can not describe what I’m feeling rn 💀 pic.twitter.com/roKb2WALrD
— rue 🍉 (@mushruem_) January 11, 2024
However, a segment of the internet criticized the influencer for her bargaining attempt. Social media users argued that the kurti was reasonably priced and that bargaining should be reserved for overpriced items. Some pointed out that $6 is a minimal amount for an Australian, suggesting tourists should refrain from negotiating for small amounts.
Critics expressed displeasure, with one user stating, “I hate that she’s smiling thinking she’s clever and the whole time she’s just exploiting minorities.” Another remarked, “Over $6….she should be embarrassed rn.” A third user commented, “If anything, she should be giving him more than the given price because 6 AUD for something of that quality is SO FAR BELOW what it’s worth.”
