Bargaining is not something we learn from an early age in our culture, which is why we often find it difficult on holiday. At markets and bazaars, bargaining is part of doing business. Goods do not have a definite value, but the value depends on the type of customer, supply and demand. Here are a few useful tips on haggling.

 

For a good bargaining experience, it is important that both buyer and seller are satisfied at the end of the deal. The seller usually starts with a price that represents the basis for negotiation. He sets himself a lower limit that he does not want to go below, but naturally tries to get as much as possible for his goods.
You should do the same as a potential buyer. When you are quoted a price, you should think about how much you are prepared to spend without feeling ripped off.

The first counteroffer from you as the buyer should not be outrageously low. If the seller feels offended, he will be less inclined to give you a good price. The counteroffer should never be less than half the starting price. Alternatively, you can say that you would like to get two parts for the price of the negotiation basis.

Always be friendly and do not insult the goods or the seller. Please remember that the seller is a person like you who earns his living by selling his goods. If the price quoted is too high, simply refuse and move on. Often the seller will then lower the price on his own initiative, as he wants to get rid of his goods.

You should also not appear overly enthusiastic about the product if you want to negotiate the price down. The salesperson who deals with people every day will easily recognise whether they have a customer on the hook who really wants their product.

Don't try to show the contents of your wallet. The seller does not need to know how much money you have with you.

If you have negotiated a price that is a little above your limit, but you would like to buy the goods, see if you can get a small accessory as an extra for the price. This way, the seller still gets his price and only needs to add the purchase price of a small accessory. Conversely, you get your goods and a gift for the slightly higher value.