Online Reporter
Your Money, Your Call
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba
ZIMBABWEANS in the diaspora, who often support local businesses through remittances and purchases for their families back home, are increasingly being charged higher prices simply because they live abroad.
Complaints are mounting.
Many diaspora customers report that when they make inquiries using foreign phone numbers or email addresses, the quoted prices for goods and services mysteriously rise.
Yet, when the same inquiries are made through local contacts, the prices drop to more reasonable levels.
This dual-pricing system has left many feeling exploited. It has also sparked a quiet but determined pushback.
Resourceful Zimbabweans living abroad have begun to outsmart the system. Instead of calling directly from abroad, they now rely on relatives or friends inside the country to make inquiries on their behalf.
By doing so, they secure fairer deals and avoid the inflated “diaspora tax” that some businesses seem eager to impose.
While this workaround may protect diaspora customers in the short term, the practice itself is deeply damaging to the reputation of local businesses.
It sends a dangerous message that loyalty and trust are secondary to opportunism.
In a globalised economy where reputation travels faster than any advertisement, such behaviour is not only unethical but also commercially reckless.
Zimbabwe’s diaspora community is not a fringe market — it is a lifeline.
Remittances from abroad contribute significantly to household incomes and national economic development.
Diaspora clients often pay in foreign currency, which is highly sought-after by local businesses. They also tend to purchase premium services, invest in property and support family enterprises.
In short, they are among the most valuable customers a business could hope to attract.
To treat them as easy targets for price manipulation is short-sighted.
It risks eroding trust and pushing them towards alternative suppliers who value transparency.
Once trust is broken, it is rarely repaired.
A business that gains a reputation for exploiting diaspora clients may find itself permanently excluded from this lucrative market.
Some service providers may argue that charging diaspora clients more is justified because they “can afford it”. But this assumption is both unfair and dangerous. Many Zimbabweans abroad work long hours in demanding jobs, often sacrificing personal comfort to send money home. Penalising them for their sacrifice undermines the very foundation of family support networks.
Moreover, the hidden costs of this practice are immense.
Word of mouth travels quickly in diaspora communities. Social media groups, WhatsApp networks and community forums amplify stories of unfair treatment. A single bad experience can ripple across hundreds of potential customers, tarnishing a business’s image far beyond its immediate circle.
Zimbabwean businesses must recognise that fair pricing is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic advantage.
Transparency builds trust and trust builds loyalty.
In an era where competition is fierce and customers have more choices than ever, loyalty is the most valuable currency. Instead of exploiting diaspora clients, businesses should actively court them. Offering consistent pricing, clear communication and reliable service will not only secure repeat business but also attract referrals.
Diaspora clients are often the bridge between local businesses and international markets.
Treating them with dignity can open doors to partnerships, investments and growth opportunities that far outweigh the short-term gains of price manipulation.
Zimbabwe’s economy thrives when its businesses embrace fairness and innovation.
The diaspora community is a vital part of that equation.
By rejecting discriminatory pricing practices and committing to transparency, local service providers can strengthen their reputations, expand their customer base and ensure long-term sustainability.
The message is clear: Diaspora clients are not a cash cow to be milked; they are partners in progress.
Businesses that fail to recognise this risk losing not only customers but also credibility.
In the end, the choice is stark: Exploit and decline or respect and grow.
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing and customer service consultant, customer experience columnist, and sales and service trainer. Contact details: info @customersuccess.co.zw or +263712979461, 0719978335, 0772978335, www.customersuccess.co.zw
