You might think of haggling as being this foreign, difficult concept. But here’s the big secret: it’s easy.
Most of us are used to big box retailers with fixed prices and quick check-outs, but we’re really missing out on all of the fun. Once you’re in the middle of an exotic bazaar, yelling about how a porcelain tea cup can’t be worth more than 65 rupees, let me tell you, haggling’s a blast.
So just follow these basic tips, and you’ll be giving even the most seasoned merchants a real run for the money.
Before You Bargain
Be familiar with the local currency and the exchange rate. Carry small bills with you - it’d be silly to spend time haggling only to need a bunch of change. Trust me - they won’t have it.
Don’t wear super flashy clothing - it makes you look like an easy mark to get swindled. Know where the best markets are by asking around once you’re there.
Learning a few go-to phrases and expressions in the local language is a good idea too. It’ll let the vendor know you’re not some foreign chump, ripe and ready to be overcharged.
Be ready to shop around. A lot. Most of the time, the souvenirs you find are not unique. The next stall over, or the market down the street, will have the exact same item, and maybe at a better price.
The Art of Negotiation
Most items aren’t marked with a price tag, so when you ask the shopkeeper, “how much?” you’re likely to hear back, “how much do you want to pay?” Play along. Ask, “how much do you think it’s worth?” Make him name the first price. Counter with a very low offer, and work your way up from there.
Point out any flaws in the merchandise. “This cup is all scratched up. It’s not worth full price.” And buy authentic goods. I’ve seen everything from wooden statues in the Bahamas to Fabergé eggs from Russia stuck with “Made in China” stickers on the bottom. If the seller refuses to go down, try to thrown in another (small) item to augment your purchase.
Don’t seem too interested. If you look like you can’t live without something, it’ll show, and they’ll use it against you. Act indifferent, shrug your shoulders, don’t say too much and wait for the seller to come down on the price. Remember to be polite though - if you’re friendly and respectful, shop owners are more likely to give you a better deal.
Know What You’re Supposed to Pay
Tourists are super susceptible to getting ripped off simply because they don’t know any better.
In Lima, Peru, there are literally thousands and thousands of taxi cabs. Instead of using a meter, they operate on an informal system wherein you name your destination and the driver names a price. After being there for a while and spending time with locals, I knew exactly how much I should pay to go to certain parts of the city. If I didn’t get the price I wanted, I simply got the next cab.
Don’t Give Up
In places like Iran, haggling is an art form. When shopping - even in places like a grocery store - you need to pull out all of the stops. The store clerk will likely tell you, “Your money is no good here!” And you must convince him to let you buy something. Then the haggling; if he refuses your price - walk out. He’ll come after you and you’ll get the deal you want. (Caveat: only walk out though if it is something you can live without, in the event that you walk out alone). Be persistent, and importantly:
Don’t Be Intimidated
One of the main reasons some western tourists don’t haggle, aside from not knowing that they can, is being uncomfortable with the process. It’s unfamiliar and shopkeepers can be aggressive. Don’t panic, and don’t feel pressured into buying anything.
Another reason is that it may seem unfair to haggle over a price where the difference in USD/CAD is nominal. Don’t be the one to create the power imbalance and over-pay out of pity. The idea here is to come to a fair price agreement to both parties.
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