The act of haggling is just another term for bargaining with the vendors but this kind of act is common in places such as Egypt, Turkey and China. If you do not have any knowledge about haggling, chances are you will likely be ripped off by the vendor because they are expecting you to bargain the prices they offer. They may even have stated the highest price they offered you and you do not even know how much they have added to the item that you have an eye for.
Haggling is easy for people who are used to bargaining at markets but for those who have no idea, follow the steps below to get a good bargain from local vendors.
- If you have a friend who is a native and knows the right prices, ask them the price range appropriate for haggling.
- You can also ask trustworthy locals to help you in how to haggle.
- See how the locals do it. You can watch them how they do it or you can ask them after they have made their purchase. Take note that you should not hang out too much that will make it obvious that you are observing them because the vendor may take it out on your purchase instead.
- Most articles and guides about haggling suggest that travelers offer fixed percentage of the first price of the shopkeeper but this does not work at all. Most shopkeepers are very aware of this technique which in turn they offer a very ridiculous price which can be hundreds more than its original value.
- Most shopkeepers tend to give a very high price at first but you can also counter this move by offering a price lower than what you expect to pay at the end.
- You should be strong with your offer too no matter how hard the shopkeeper pushes his offer.
Do not be aggressive with your approach. Instead be friendly and courteous in your manner but at the same time firm with your negotiations. If the shopkeeper takes a liking to you, you may even get a very good deal from your haggling. You could be offered with snacks, coffee or tea. You can choose to accept such offer but it does not mean anything to them or you should buy their item although you may feel a bit guilty at a later time when you face the same shopkeeper.