Students go to the market: Afraid of being "ripped off", reluctant to bargain for every penny

(Dan Tri) - The new generation of students is reshaping their shopping habits by choosing the convenience of supermarkets to avoid the "obsession" of bargaining. However, many students still choose traditional markets because of "the feeling".

Afraid of bargaining, students go to supermarkets and department stores

Thu Hang, a second-year student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, shared: “Before going to university, I often went to the market with my mother to learn how to choose vegetables. However, when I came to Ho Chi Minh City, the market was crowded, the goods were abundant, but it was harder to buy because each place had different prices. So I chose a convenience store because it was faster and less confusing.”

Thanh Hang’s story is also a problem that many students today are afraid of. The biggest “nightmare” when going to traditional markets is having to bargain. They are afraid of not knowing the right price, of being “cheated”, of not having enough weight…

Many students like to go to the supermarket because they don't like to bargain (Photo: Phuong Thao).

Many young people today are accustomed to cashless payments. Transferring small amounts of 2,000-3,000 VND at traditional markets can be inconvenient.

On the other hand, for Gen Z, convenience and technology are top priorities. Supermarket chains, convenience stores, and department stores are springing up everywhere to meet this need.

At the supermarket, prices are clearly listed, products are packaged and fully labeled, helping students feel more secure about origin and quality.

Along with that, payment via e-wallet and bank card helps students not need to carry a lot of cash.

Although prices may be 5-10% higher than traditional markets, convenience and incentives have made supermarkets the top choice for many people.

"You can pay with e-wallet, accumulate points, use discount codes. Ordering online will get home delivery, saving time going out, especially when it's raining or your class schedule is tight," Bao Loc, a second-year student at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, shared.

After 5 p.m., many students take advantage of the time to visit convenience stores to hunt for deals and buy discounted food for dinner (Photo: Phuong Thao).

Traditional markets bring a sense of familiarity

On the other hand, a group of students are still loyal to traditional markets, where they can buy vegetables, meat and fish at cheaper prices and feel familiar.

Thanh Thanh, a third-year student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, said: "The prices are cheaper at traditional markets, especially for vegetables. I can also choose them myself. For items like meat and fish, I am used to buying from a long-time saleswoman, so I feel more secure."

Students choose to go to the market to personally choose each type of fresh food at a "softer" price (Photo: Phuong Thao).

Similarly, Thu Thuy, a student at Gia Dinh University, also has to “treasure” every penny in the context of escalating prices. Traditional markets have become the preferred choice because of their more affordable prices than supermarkets.

Ms. Phuong, a vegetable vendor at Cat Lai market, said: "At the market, prices are cheaper. Students only need 20,000-30,000 to buy enough vegetables and meat for a meal."

The traditional market space is not only about stalls but also about “love”. According to Ms. Phuong, when she becomes a regular customer, she often gives discounts or adds a little onion and cilantro.

"That's the love in the market that the supermarket doesn't have," Ms. Phuong shared.

Ms. Hien, a merchant at Dong Hoa market, has also noticed the trend of young people liking to transfer money: "Nowadays, technology is developing, many students come to ask if they can transfer money before buying, so I also have to prepare QR codes."

Payment by scanning QR codes is gradually becoming a popular form in the market (Photo: Phuong Thao).

For students far from home, going to the market and getting to know a saleswoman, being asked questions, being given a little extra stuff, has become a small joy, a feeling of "closeness" like being at home.

Le Thu, a student at the University of Natural Sciences , Ho Chi Minh City National University, confided: “I choose the traditional market because of the bustling atmosphere and the feeling of closeness. The sellers are familiar, so sometimes I get a little extra onion and herbs. Besides, the amount of money I spend buying at the market is still much more economical.”

Going to the market is not as difficult as many people think. Bao Nhung, a student who has a habit of going to traditional markets, shares her experience: "The first few times, I went to the market and checked the prices. If the shop was good, I would often go there to buy. If I became a regular customer, the staff would also give me discounts."

It can be seen that Gen Z is creating a clear shift in shopping habits. While traditional markets bring a sense of familiarity, closeness and savings, supermarkets and convenience stores conquer thanks to transparency, technology and modern services.

In the long run, this change will not only affect students’ habits, but also force both supermarkets and traditional markets to adapt. While supermarkets need to increase incentives and expand fast delivery services, traditional markets have also begun to “digitalize” by accepting bank transfers and selling online.

Gen Z's grocery journey will not only be a story about shopping, but also a journey to find a balance between old and new values ​​in modern life.

Phuong Thao

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/sinh-vien-di-cho-so-cham-chem-ngai-mac-ca-tung-dong-20250928093948664.htm