Bargaining : Planning Your Trip

Bargaining is a vital aspect of trade in the Middle East, but a skill that many Westerners have not fully developed. Prices are negotiable in markets, street stands and, small stores, but not in large department stores or better quality shops. Prices quoted to tourists can be as high as ten times the “real” price (whatever that is), so don’t be embarrassed to offer a fraction of the asking price-a small fraction. The best strategy is to offer what you want to pay even before inquiring about their prices. Or ask the price in a somewhat blase fashion, knit your brow, offer about half, and begin the bidding beguine. Act firm and don’t be intimidated, but try to remain polite and friendly. And you’d better be prepared to pay any price you offer; no backing off. If vendors decline your bid, but call or chase after you, the haggling may continue in the street but you’ve got them on the ropes. Sort of. If you look like a foreigner, or just sound like one, then even after tedious bargaining you’ll end up paying at least double the “real” price. Get used to it.

If you prefer soft bargaining to hard, generously praise die fine store and its honest proprietor, note how much you’d like to shop there, but that as a wretched backpacker you have limited means. It’s honest, and it just might work. If none of these tactics work, walk to the shop next door and try again.