Bargaining and haggling is a lost art and can be a totally culturally awkward experience for North Americans. Just take a big gulp, get over anything you’ve ever learnt about price tags and your aversion to rejection or getting what you want, and you’ll discover that it’s a great way to meet locals and a fun part of traveling.
Tips on How to Bargain and Haggle Around the World
From the markets of Djemaa El-Fna in Marrakech to the Straw Market in Nassau, Stanley Market in Hong Kong, Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, or even New York City’s Canal Street—here is what you need to know according to TripAtlas.com.
1. Rule #1 of bargaining is to always be ready to walk away, which also means that you shouldn’t get too attached to that beautifully patterned sari. I’ve failed on this account twice! Even if you love the dress, don’t let it show on your face. Once you start to walk away, vendors realize they may lose you and will give you a better offer.
2. Shoes, hotel or hostel rooms, carpets, spices, taxi rides, souvenirs, crafts, antiques, handmade items, skewered meat, or bunches of bananas—bargain for anything and everything you can.
3. Always take your time to shop around and not to rush. Shopkeepers can smell desperation and casual spenders miles away.
4. Most items are sold at more than one stall or shop. Inquire and bargain at a few to find out the average price of your item. Ask hotel staff and other locals how much an item would cost, just be careful they’re not getting you to buy from their cousin instead.
5. Figure how much you’d be willing to pay for the item; no matter how much you pay, you’ll likely get a great deal since things in foreign markets are usually dirt cheap.
6. Always let the shopkeeper give the first price. 500 baht for the dress, he says. Figure out what you’re willing or happy to pay, probably around 250 baht. Counteroffer with 200 baht and you’ll likely meet somewhere in the middle.
