Folium: Bartering and Haggling in Foreign Lands via loraltravel
Folium: Bartering and Haggling in Foreign Lands via loraltravel
Folium: Bartering and Haggling in Foreign Lands via loraltravel
There’s something about the art of the “deal” that is slowly fading into the recesses of American memory. We’ve become far too used to the price as marked, and quietly accepting the word of the vendor as law. Even most major car dealerships use fixed pricing as a means of promotion, “no-dicker-sticker” and “one price” nationwide. There used to be a time when no number was taboo, where the consumer was determined to make the salesman work for every plum-nickel that he had coming to him. Aside from decrepit flea markets and roadside antique stores, I fear that this chapter in capitalism is coming to a close.
Market in Granada
However, that is an American observation, and outside of America things are far more… negotiable… than we are used to. The give and take of bartering is still, very, alive and well in markets and shops around the world. And if you’ve never participated in the power struggle of negotiation, now is the time young grasshopper!
One of the fun parts of traveling in exotic lands is wandering and buying in street markets. Very quickly you learn that prices are, to say the least, flexible. I’ve read a lot of tips on haggling with market vendors when preparing for my travels over the years, but in hindsight I was always too much the Aussie nice guy; never tough or ruthless enough. It is a bit deflating when you think you got the best price for something after a bargaining session with a market trader to then see it cheaper, and better quality, later on in a local supermarket or duty-free store. Particularly when your wife is the one who notices. – loraltravel
He gives several great tips on how to barter in foreign lands, and how the verbal exchange is part of the travel experience! More than anything else, he recommends to take your time, choose large markets with lots of competition, and stand your ground!
I’ll gladly add my own experience that the more proficient you are in the local language, the better the prices get! Many times I’ve been offered the “tourist” price, and through negotiation in the native language received a price much more palatable than when we started.
The article is a great read, and take the time to read each tip carefully. You’ll never know when it might save you money on the road!
Resources:
The LEAF Project
www.leaflanguages.org
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