The True Value of Overpricing

 If you’ve ever been to an Indian market, you’ve probably witnessed (or participated in) the age-old ritual of bargaining. Whether it’s haggling with an auto-rickshaw driver over ₹10, negotiating with a street vendor for an extra lemon, or convincing the shopkeeper to round down the price of bangles, we Indians love a good deal. It’s in our DNA—we take pride in securing the best price possible.

But sometimes, just sometimes, it’s okay to pay a little extra for something you truly like. That ₹5, ₹10, or even ₹20 extra isn’t just about money; it’s about the value of joy.




Because It Feels Right

Imagine this: You’re at your favorite chai tapri, the kind that serves tea in earthen kulhads. You can get chai for ₹10 at the next stall, but this stall makes it just right—kadak (strong), with the perfect balance of adrak and elaichi. The shopkeeper tells you it’s ₹15. Do you bargain, or do you simply hand over the extra ₹5 because this is the chai your heart wants?

Sometimes, that extra amount is the price of happiness.

The Magic of Small Luxuries

We’ve all been there—standing in a shop, holding two items, one slightly pricier but undeniably better. Maybe it's a shirt that fits just right, made of softer fabric, but costs ₹200 more than the average one. Maybe it’s a mobile phone that has a slightly better camera, perfect for capturing your favorite moments, but is ₹2,000 above your budget.

Sure, you could settle for the cheaper option, and it would still serve its purpose. But deep down, you know which one your heart truly wants—the one that makes you feel good every time you wear it, the one that clicks the perfect shot of your chai on a rainy day.

Sometimes, that little extra isn't about extravagance. It’s about making your everyday life a little more joyful.

Not Just a Price, But a Feeling

Consider the local cobbler who mends your shoes with care, the old newspaper seller who remembers which magazine you like, or the saree shop uncle who offers you chai before showing you the best collection. These people add more than just a product—they bring warmth, nostalgia, and a human connection.

If your heart is happy paying a little more for something that feels special, it’s not overpaying; it’s valuing the experience.

The ₹5 Rule of Happiness

The next time you feel tempted to bargain over something you genuinely love, ask yourself:
✅ Will this ₹5 (or ₹10, or ₹20) really make a difference to my finances?
✅ Does this bring me joy?
✅ Am I supporting someone who deserves it?

If the answer is yes, just pay it. Sometimes, the extra ₹5 isn’t for the chai—it’s for the story, the memory, the feeling of treating yourself to what you love.

And that’s always worth it.

Thank You for reading,

Hetansh Shah


Comments

  1. Priyanka11 March 2025 at 10:02

    Happiness > money.
    Also, this makes me believe that money might not be able to buy you happiness, but a little extra money can.
    Very well written. Love the mention of chai everywhere!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Abhigyan11 March 2025 at 15:49

    So it goes like this,
    Everytime I enter a bar or a coffee shop, I make sure to go an extra mile by tipping. Honestly, it doesn't feel that big a deal, but it particularly does on a month end or at times when your pals are saying " why?", tbh I haven't answered that question in a while, but the utter joy and peace it brings to a small town boy's mind is unparalleled and kind of unique.
    Very well articulated and touched a nerve there! Beautiful

    ReplyDelete

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