Haggling tips? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

scansinboy · 11-19-2003, 05:12 AM

I offered a tip on haggling in a different thread and decieded to start a new thread devoted to this.
What are some tips on haggling in Far-off Lands?
Open air markets, Bazaars, the like....

I suggested dressing down. Way down. you don't want to convey the fact that you have money. You want to look as poor as possible. If this means getting dirty then so be it.

Another tip is to carry a different amount of money in each pocket. That way, you can pull out the 5 or 10 and claim that that is all the money you have on you.

What are some other tips for haggling?

Peetster · 11-19-2003, 05:21 AM

Spend a lot of time with the vendor. Look at what he has, many times over. You are NOT in any hurry. Leave undecided and come back later. Let him entice you with his best deal.

This technique worked best for me in predominantly Muslim countries, especially Turkey and UAR.

Bloodslick · 11-19-2003, 05:54 AM

If you want to be the one that the vendor curses as you walk away, make your first offer half of his quoted price. Make your second offer half of his second offer. Eventually, you can decide that it's time to lower their blood pressure by agreeing to a figure.

This is not for the faint of heart or for those lacking in chutzpah. You will be hated.

ARTelevision · 11-19-2003, 06:03 AM

Learn the language, the body language, and the customs of the natives. Instant discounts for those in the know...

Cynthetiq · 11-20-2003, 02:52 PM

shop late... they'd rather sell it than carry it home

numist · 11-20-2003, 02:57 PM

be ready to walk away if they dont go low enough for you - a good haggling tip no matter what or where you are buying.

splck · 11-20-2003, 11:12 PM

Tell them that a guy down the way is selling the same item for less than he is, but never tell him what that amount is and who the other guy is.
Don't hang around too long, just start to walk away and let him make the move...they usually do.
Art is correct in that learning the language is very important.
Keeping money in seperate pockets like already mentioned is a good idea too.

I did my haggling in Latin countries for quite a few years but I would like to try it in a Middle East country.

11-19-2003, 05:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
scansinboy Insane Location: Milwaukee	Haggling tips? I offered a tip on haggling in a different thread and decieded to start a new thread devoted to this. What are some tips on haggling in Far-off Lands? Open air markets, Bazaars, the like.... I suggested dressing down. Way down. you don't want to convey the fact that you have money. You want to look as poor as possible. If this means getting dirty then so be it. Another tip is to carry a different amount of money in each pocket. That way, you can pull out the 5 or 10 and claim that that is all the money you have on you. What are some other tips for haggling? __________________ Don't blame me... I voted for Kodos!

11-19-2003, 06:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	Learn the language, the body language, and the customs of the natives. Instant discounts for those in the know... __________________ create evolution

11-20-2003, 02:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	shop late... they'd rather sell it than carry it home __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

11-20-2003, 11:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	Tell them that a guy down the way is selling the same item for less than he is, but never tell him what that amount is and who the other guy is. Don't hang around too long, just start to walk away and let him make the move...they usually do. Art is correct in that learning the language is very important. Keeping money in seperate pockets like already mentioned is a good idea too. I did my haggling in Latin countries for quite a few years but I would like to try it in a Middle East country. __________________ nice line eh?

11-19-2003, 05:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
Peetster Right Now Location: Home	Spend a lot of time with the vendor. Look at what he has, many times over. You are NOT in any hurry. Leave undecided and come back later. Let him entice you with his best deal. This technique worked best for me in predominantly Muslim countries, especially Turkey and UAR.

11-19-2003, 05:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bloodslick Loser Location: a darkened back alley	If you want to be the one that the vendor curses as you walk away, make your first offer half of his quoted price. Make your second offer half of his second offer. Eventually, you can decide that it's time to lower their blood pressure by agreeing to a figure. This is not for the faint of heart or for those lacking in chutzpah. You will be hated.

11-20-2003, 02:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
numist Banned Location: UCSD, 510.49 miles from my love	be ready to walk away if they dont go low enough for you - a good haggling tip no matter what or where you are buying.