Bargaining, or haggling, is a way of
life in many cultures. It is considered a normal and often expected
part of any shopping experience. For many people, including me, this
process can be somewhat uncomfortable. Will they be insulted if I
bargain? How low is too low?
Bargaining, on the other hand, can be
graciously and successfully done if it is looked more as a social event
that could lead you to the best price possible.
Here are some tips that will improve your bargaining skills while keeping it casual and friendly with the locals:
1. Study the market
Hop around, scope the market, and ask for some prices before attempting your first bargain.
2. Learn a few catch phrases in their language
Nothing
opens the door for you like saying, “How are you?” or “How much?” in
your destination’s native language. You don’t need to know much of their
language; just a few words will bring a smile and set things flowing
with the vendor.
3. If possible, strike a conversation before negotiating
Spend a
few minutes chatting up the merchant before you attempt to open
negotiations. Small conversations are great ways to connect with them.
They will be more inclined to make a deal if they have already invested
time in you.
Striking a Spanish conversation in a
market in Cuzco, Peru got me a scarf for 10 soles versus the 70 soles my
English friend paid for the same item.
4. Know what you want, but look indecisive
Play
it cool, look around, and admire their merchandise. If you like
something in specific, don’t let them know you’ve fallen in love with
it. If you do, you lose all your bargaining power.
5. Start at a fraction of the asking price
Deciding
how low to begin your side of the bargaining depends on what you’re
shopping for. Typically, on markets that are open for bargaining, you
can start your offer between 25% and 50% of the marked price. It’s
almost guaranteed that wont be your final price, but it gives you room
to play. There’s nothing more disappointing in a bargaining game than
starting too high.
6. Be friendly
Always
keep it cool and polite, and be respectful with the merchant all the
time. Casually mention that you’d be happy to refer friends if they will
work with you on lowering the price.
7. Practice a little on inexpensive items
Before
you go for the big items, practice bargaining a little on things that
you are less attached and can therefore walk away if need be.
8. Don’t make the first offer
Ask
first what’s their best price on the item you’re interested in. Posing
this simple, straightforward question nudges the seller to make the
first offer. If you state a starting price, you hurt your bargaining
power because the amount can only go up from there. If the seller
declines to answer, then start really low or at less than half the
marked price.
9. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on an item
Before
starting your haggling, decide what will be maximum price you are
willing to pay for that item. This will help you focus on the
bargaining and when the price goes over what you want to pay, walk away.
10. Don’t be afraid to walk away
If the
price goes too high, give a final offer. If it doesn’t work, be
friendly; thank them for their time, and walk away slowly looking at
other items. Many times you will get called back with the final offer
you made. Sometimes you won’t, but you can either hop around other
stalls and shops or just resign and pay the lowest price they offered.
11. Always think of it more like a cultural experience rather than just shopping
No
matter how much you haggle or what price you end up paying, always
approach the haggling process as a way to experience the character of
the souks, bazaars, and street markets from around the world. This is a
lively activity that often gives us a taste of their culture and way of
life.
Its true that we want to get things the
cheapest possible, but remember, in many cases, every cent that you
spend on them goes directly to their living and to feed their family.
Sometimes spending a few more dollars than what we want actually does
some good in this world, especially in poorer countries.
