The Power of Fairness: Why You Should Stop Bargaining with the Poor

In a bustling market, a woman haggles with an egg seller, pressing for a discount: “Six eggs for Rs. 25 or I’ll walk away.” The vendor, despite not making a single sale that day, accepts. Desperate to earn even a small amount, he says, “It’s a good start for me. I need this to survive.”

The woman feels victorious.

Later that day, she dines lavishly at an upscale restaurant, leaving behind a generous Rs. 200 tip on an Rs. 800 bill — even though half the food goes uneaten.

This moment brings us to a profound realization:

Why do we negotiate and assert control over the poor, but display generosity toward the rich or privileged?

This isn't just about money. It's about value, dignity, and the imbalance of empathy.

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💡 The Psychology Behind Our Actions

• We equate negotiation with smartness when dealing with street vendors or small business owners.

• We equate tipping with kindness and status when it’s done in high-end settings.

• We often fail to understand the real impact of our spending decisions on someone who relies on daily earnings to survive.

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🤝 True Charity Is Quiet and Fair

Buying from a struggling vendor without bargaining doesn't just make you a fair customer — it makes you a compassionate human. Paying Rs. 5 instead of Rs. 4 isn't charity; it's dignity wrapped in a gift.

“Fairness is not about giving more — it’s about not taking more.”

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🌱 Aligning Generosity with Holistic Living

Your health and well-being aren't just personal. Living holistically means making ethical choices, supporting local economies, and engaging in compassionate action. The next time you’re at a market, remember:

• That vendor might be a parent feeding children.

• That Rs. 5 means more than you think.

• Generosity begins with empathy — not excess.

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❓ Top FAQs

1. Why is bargaining with small vendors considered problematic?
Because it often undermines their already fragile income and affects their ability to meet basic needs.

2. Isn’t bargaining normal in markets?
It may be common, but that doesn’t make it ethical — especially when the person you're bargaining with lives on daily wages.

3. Why do people tip more in restaurants but bargain with the poor?
Social status, perceived value, and unconscious biases influence where we feel "generous" or "smart."

4. What’s the alternative to bargaining?
Pay fair prices. If you can afford it, support with a smile, not negotiation.

5. Is paying extra charity?
No. It’s recognition of someone's effort, time, and dignity — far beyond coins.

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✅ Conclusion

We often overlook how our smallest choices reflect our biggest values. Bargaining with the poor while tipping the rich isn't about money—it's about how we value people. The next time you’re tempted to haggle, pause. Ask yourself: “Am I doing this because I need to, or because I can?”

Generosity isn’t about grand gestures. It starts with respect, fairness, and empathy — especially toward those who need it the most.