For many tourists, bargaining is a kind of fun. In Russia, we are not used to it, but in many resorts this is the most common occurrence.
Can you guarantee that you will get a beautiful hand-painted vase or a funny t-shirt at an affordable price? When is bargaining appropriate or not? We will answer these questions and at the same time share the tips of experienced travelers.
1. Learn about local traditions
Bargaining is not common everywhere. In Egypt and Turkey, it is part of life, but in Russia, the United States and Japan, for example, they will look at you askance if you try to negotiate a lower price. Therefore, before you go abroad, learn about the traditions of the country.
Also take an interest in what products and services you can and do not have the right to negotiate. In some countries, almost all prices are negotiable, while in others they are limited to the market and taxi rides.
According to Eric van Erp, director of a travel site, it is not accepted in certain countries that negotiations be conducted by a woman. You need to get used to the fact that the seller will always turn to a man. You need to understand that all this is connected with local culture and traditions and this is not at all a sign of disrespect.
2. Select the correct time
The fewer other tourists, the better your negotiating position becomes. If you travel in the off-season, you will have more opportunities to purchase goods at a lower price. This is much more difficult in high season because there is high competition among other travelers.
3. Choose the correct location
Trading in a very busy place is often ineffective because the retailer has enough customers. Try shopping outside the tourist center.
4. Prepare for bidding
Before entering into negotiations, it is worth comparing prices in advance. Ask your competitors how much such excursions or souvenirs cost.
Also keep in mind the maximum price and consider some of the reasons why the discount would be appropriate for you.
5. Dress like a tourist and take two wallets with you
Do not dress too luxuriously, because then the seller will get the impression that you can get a lot.
It is also wise to split your money in two wallets. You can get one wallet and with an innocent expression on your face say that you really have no more than 700 or 1400 rubles. This often convinces merchants.
6. Play an intellectual game in negotiations
Bargaining is a game and the rules of the game apply to it. Rule number one: let the seller come to you and be the first to mention the product. Then you are already ahead - 1: 0.
Make a counter offer. In countries where bidding is common, the seller will never agree immediately to the first bid. Most likely, he will make a one-time gesture, but remember that this is part of the game. Usually he will still lower the price in the negotiation process.
Experienced tourists are advised to pay attention to whether the seller is interested in the game. Grumpy merchants should be ignored. They sell their product poorly and react angrily if you want to come to an agreement.
7. Behave indifferently and do not show your interest
Try not to show how much you would like to get your favorite necklace, because then the seller will immediately make a higher bid, because he knows that you will agree anyway.
Creating an indifferent look is sometimes difficult when you are in the company of partners who are very enthusiastic about the product. Therefore, experts advise sending fellow travelers when you enter into negotiations.
8. Stay friendly
Always be friendly and say a few words in the local language of the country in which you reside. The likelihood that you will receive a discount becomes higher. Do not forget to joke and laugh - this helps to establish communication with the seller.
9. Be creative
See if there are other items on sale that you would like to have. Maybe you will be given a combined discount if you purchase earrings in addition to a necklace. Or maybe get a small present for your purchase.
10. Do not compromise in everything
Negotiations about every purchase, even ice cream, are very tiring and have almost no effect on the overall balance. Therefore, limit the bidding to a few large expenses.
Also think about what you think is morally responsible. Bargaining near tourist attractions is logical and appropriate. But do not forget to ask yourself why you are actually doing this. If you are going to negotiate with a local farmer to the limit about some fruits due to a few rubles, and in the evening spend 10 thousand a night at the resort, you should consider whether this is fair.
Even in bidding you need to know the measure and feel when it is not worth it. For example, when traveling with a driver who is probably trying to make money for his family, you should not bargain and it is better to pay the full amount.