It's every travelers worst dream. You head to the local market,and spot the perfect souvenir. You bargain with the vendor and manage to get her to drop the price. You feel like a champ. You just got a great deal. Or so you think. Then you get back to the hotel and realize your roommate paid half as much. Nobody likes to be played a fool. But how much is too much and how low is too low? Here are some tips to master the art of bargaining.
1. Know your numbers - There's something about being able to confidently say the numbers in the local language that gives you more bargaining power.
2. Know the Selling Price - Have a stroll around the markets. See if anyone is buying something you're interested in. Easedrop on their bargaining session. What did they end up paying for the product?
3. Read Reactions - reactions are universal. A 'Happy face' in Europe looks the same as a 'Happy face' in Thailand. Look to see if the vendor is insulted by your price, or quickly agrees to it.
4. Walk Away - If you dislike the price, walk away. There are other vendors selling the same item, but perhaps in a different color.
5. Buying Power - If you cannot seem to get the vendor to budge on a price, you can maybe convince him to give you a deal if you buy multiple items, or better yet, if you're there with other travelers work something out.
6. Desperation Vibes - Vendors can sense when you really want something. This will work against you in the bargaining process.
7. Give & Take - Your first bid should be lower than your desired or reserve price. Why? Because rarely does the vendor accept your first price, unless you've greatly overbid. Psychologically, everyone likes to feel like they won something. So if you start at a lower price, the vendor will slowly work down, and you will slowly work up from your requested price. Hopefully landing at your true desired price.
8. If you love it, buy it - If you absolutely love something, just buy it. Otherwise it will always be on your mind for the rest of your trip and your journey home.
Here's a link to my video about bargaining.
No matter the price, just be happy you got a wonderful souvenir to remember your amazing trip
Happy Bargaining!.
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Jenny Truong
Has traveled to over 40 countries from Europe, Asia, Central & South America. Favorite places so far are Iceland for its natural beauty, Thailand for its food and martial arts, and Mexico for its beaches and mayan culture.
Located: Waterloo Canada
Likes: solo travel, adventure travel, Europe, Asia, South America, language study, martial arts, snorkeling, coffee
Website: http://www.jennytruong.com
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