Comments on: Haggling: a fierce battle or a delicate dance?

By: Lesleyflies

Lesleyflies — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:02:19 +0000

I heard a man bragging in Cuba about how the hooker wanted $10, he bargained her down to $5 (took awhile but she was desperate, being this just after the fall of Soviet support and everyone was literally starving) and then asked her to make change for the $10.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:54:03 +0000

Thanks Sarah for sharing your experiences. I agree with you that it’s a great way to learn a language too. We were in Buenos Aires and got talking to some candle sellers (Sam makes candles) and even in very broken Spanish we discussed techniques and learned about a local stockist where we found lots of unusual products. Long live the market

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:38:40 +0000

Great blog Mark, Definitely have to say a delicate dance is where I come down on the haggling fence. Reading body language and getting to know the culture and the language make working out that “good for you, good for me” price that much easier. When we first travelled to Asia it was such a foreign concept. But eventually buying food at the local markets became a weekly event. The market stall holders used to love seeing us and explaining to us how to cook some unknown vegetable. Yeah we had to debate the price a bit but they always were picking out the nicest looking, or freshest vegetables for us to take home. And it was a great way to learn the language. I am pretty sure I always paid a wee bit over the odds, but hey I was always warmly welcomed and every now and then there was a freebie bag of garlic or onions dropped in my package.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:58:14 +0000

A great story Mark, and a perfect example of how it should be done. Yes, the seller is always after their goal, but there is often a chance of getting to know a person and their country in such encounters that require us to look behind the hard sell. Thanks for sharing.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:31:07 +0000

I remember two days in Kabul, basically spent in a small store. After a while the carpet and the lapiz were not the main topic. It was the the stories of a growing group of afghans and expats, sharing experiences of raising kids, family weekends and the universal challenge to survive. I don’t remember the price of the purchases anymore, and it didn’t matter, even that day. Meeting the people, sharing their tea and lunch, while basically purchasing was an experience I’ll tell my grandkids about – probably more than once.

By: sammie

sammie — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:54:19 +0000

great post. totally agree with everything you’re saying here. i have family in cambodia and it saddens me to hear their stories of tourists haggling like crazy and trying to pay basically next to nothing for items.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:43:08 +0000

Get haggling Keith. As Jeannette says, it will give you some great stories to tell.
Anil, sounds like great advice. Istanbul was my first real exposure to the world of haggling. Enjoyed it very much. Even sold one guy the T-shirt I was wearing!

By: Jeannette

Jeannette — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:55:40 +0000

Haggling while traveling gives me the best travel stories.

By: Anil

Anil — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:52:35 +0000

I grew up with bargaining in Turkey and I think many people miss the point. It’s not strictly about the price but building relationships. Once you stop looking at bargaining as a competition the easier and more enjoyable it becomes.

By: Keith

Keith — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:10:13 +0000

I’ve yet to be in a situation where haggling is acceptable or expected. I’m kinda looking forward to it after reading your tips. Thanks Andy!