A Nigerian vendor has shared why she turned down a wedding souvenir deal after being pressured to inflate her price in order to make extra profit.
The woman, identified as Yemmie (@Emerytarah000), disclosed via X that she was approached to supply palm oil souvenirs for a wedding in November, but the person who referred her insisted she should add ₦1,300 to the price of each plastic of palm oil so he could pocket the difference.
According to her, she wanted to sell at ₦3,600 per litre, but the man demanded she charge ₦5,000 just because the couple lives abroad. She explained that such an arrangement would affect her credibility, so she refused.
In her words:
“I told him I wanted to sell at ₦3,600 per litre, but he insisted I should tell them ₦5,000 just because the couple lives abroad. I explained how this would affect my business, but he still wouldn’t listen. So, I told him to get another vendor. A better opportunity is ahead.”
Expanding further, she emphasised the need for integrity in business dealings.
“Business is about fairness and integrity. Earlier this year, someone brought me a souvenirs job and we agreed on a 60/40 sharing. Everyone was happy, and since then, that same person has brought me three more jobs. That’s how partnerships grow, through trust.
“There’s nothing wrong with giving a percentage to whoever connects you to a gig. In fact, I encourage it. But what is wrong is adding your own markup on top of my price and still expecting me to give you a cut again. That’s double-charging, and it kills credibility.
“For example, a branded palm oil souvenir shouldn’t cost more than ₦3,000 per litre. I sold at ₦2,600 because I deal in wholesale. The only time I pushed to ₦3,600 was when I factored in the stress of measuring.
“At the end of the day, integrity keeps customers coming back. Quick gains without fairness may look sweet today, but they close doors tomorrow.”
Her post has since attracted several reactions, with many social media users applauding her for choosing honesty over short-term profit.
@Ajokehub commented: “Because of your honesty, God will send better gigs to you.”
Responding, Yemmie added: “Amen, in as much as I need that sales omo make nobody spoil my name abeg.”