8 rules for cutting prices: how to bargain in tourist countries

The success of shopping in the East depends on how well you can bargain. And this is a kind of art that has evolved over centuries... Fortunately, now, in order to reduce the price of a product you like, it is not at all necessary to learn a foreign language, you just need to remember a few simple rules of conversation with the seller.

In Egypt you can bargain even in large stores. Don’t be afraid to leave the shop: often the seller catches up with the buyer, even if he has already gone quite far. Do not go to stores suggested by guides or helpers - there you risk paying too much, because the price of the goods includes a percentage for the “helper”. And be sure to specify which pound the seller has in mind: Egyptian or... English.

Do you think that only misers bargain? In Asia or Africa you will not be called greedy; on the contrary, those who do not try to reduce the price will be considered stupid here. Think of bargaining not as a tedious activity, but as an exciting game, theatrical performance, business negotiation training, or a kind of competition between seller and buyer.

Supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants are the territory of fixed prices. But in small shops, sellers are usually ready to give in. Don't be surprised if you are treated to tea and sweets during the process. But, alas, at resorts it is sometimes possible to reduce the price by a maximum of 30 percent. Local merchants are good appraisers; they can easily calculate the cost of your wardrobe. Therefore, when going shopping, it is better to leave fashionable clothes, expensive watches and shoes in your room.

Usually you can bargain in Asia not only in markets, but also in many stores, and it doesn’t matter what you are going to buy: clothes, gold or a TV. Even if the price is written on the price tags, this is often just a guide to start a conversation. But avoid popular tourist places, where sellers do not waste time bargaining. They know that visiting rich people will still buy their goods. It's better to go away from the attractions, to places where bored shopkeepers are willing to bargain almost to nothing, just to have a little fun.

Fixed prices in this country are typical only for goods marked with the MRP price tag, which are sold in supermarkets and some stores; the price for other things can always be negotiated. The cost can often be reduced even 10 times. And don’t forget that the price for accommodation in a guesthouse is also not final. The worst region for bargaining is Goa; the most intractable traders work here.

Do not hurry! Asian shopping is not done on the run. If you really like something, be prepared that you will have to spend at least half an hour in the store, be patient. Try to enjoy the process: be friendly, friendly, but firmly stand your ground.

You can easily beat the price of cheap souvenirs, but that’s not what you came for! Before bargaining in China, practice with softer sellers in other countries. When going to the Celestial Empire, stock up on valerian: you will need nerves of iron and titanium endurance. But it’s worth it: for the same jacket or technical innovation in Moscow you will pay 10, or even 15 times more.

If you are planning to buy a large, expensive item, to avoid getting into trouble, make inquiries in advance: chat on forums on the Internet, talk to locals (even hotel employees) and find out how much it might cost.

Nowadays, the Emirates has largely lost its former flavor of a huge Arab bazaar. Bargaining is not possible everywhere: fixed prices have been introduced in taxis, in shopping centers, and in restaurants. In the markets - clothing, gold - although you will be presented with a semblance of bargaining, but not for long: after a couple of exclamations you will receive a 20-30% discount, and, most likely, then the price will remain unchanged.

Do not negotiate long and hard if you do not ultimately intend to buy the product. It’s indecent to waste someone else’s time, and why waste yours.

You should not count on large discounts: you can consider that the bargain was a success if the seller reduced the original price by 30-40%. In this country, you can bargain everywhere, from tuk-tuks to massage parlors, with the exception of large shopping centers with boutiques of popular fashion companies. Stores at large jewelry and textile factories can also disappoint with fixed prices.

Don't be shy if you don't know the local dialect or English. Many reactions are clear without words, and bargaining often takes place using a calculator. Did the seller write the first price? Feel free to reduce it by 5-7 times! If you see a number that is too high, do not run away - your opponent is not crazy, he is just observing etiquette. Your next steps depend on how much the merchant reduces the cost. Follow approximately the same steps. On average, you should cut the price by about half.

You can bargain, but you won’t be able to reduce the price much. The exception is taxis; their drivers often quote absolutely exorbitant prices. However, even in resort towns there are still remote areas where good goods can be bought for literally pennies. It will not be possible to significantly reduce the price in Petra either, since the local Bedouins, although they look like poor ragamuffins, are spoiled by the crowds of tourists.

Do not show the seller that you like something and you came to buy it. It’s better to go into a store with a bored expression on your face, glance along the shelves and, as if by chance, notice the necessary item. Pretend that you don’t need it at all, but so be it, you’ll buy it for fun.

In Bulgaria, you can bargain in the markets and save about 30% of the cost of goods. You should definitely negotiate the fare in a taxi. In popular resorts, the cost of travel can be unpleasant, but if you take a walk to the highway, you can get there for 5 times cheaper.

When examining a thing, look for flaws, even imaginary ones, and point them out to the seller, eloquently shaking your head and clicking your tongue. You don’t even have to say anything: the merchant will immediately name a new price. You can criticize the product, but you should never insult the seller himself.

The Greeks are benevolent, they don’t like to work, but they are always ready to chat with a buyer who drops by, especially if he turns out to be a pretty girl. Therefore, the key to success in this country is not arrogance, as in Asia, but an intimate conversation with the seller. Tell him that you are from Russia, remember your common religion, compliment Greece, its cuisine and him personally, and the price will melt before your eyes.

If you decide that the seller will no longer reduce the price, give him a test - shake your head in disappointment, express regret that you cannot buy the item for that price, and start moving towards the exit. If you already find yourself on the street and close the door behind you, but the merchant does not flinch, most likely you will no longer be able to reduce the price.