Prices will change when you’re haggling so you need to either be completely comfortable with what ฿640, for example, is worth, or you need to know how to work it back to a currency you are familiar and comfortable with. There is nothing worse than thinking you’ve got a great deal, walking away, and then realising your maths has let you down… again.
This is my golden rule. It’s so easy to get swept up in haggling that you can sometimes regret how much you paid. If you want to by a vest, for example, go in knowing your absolute maximum price and do not pay a penny more. This will help you stick to a budget and it’ll stop you from regretting your purchase.
Convert it back to your home currency – is it worth that much?
Starting low will give you room to work up. If you go in with your maximum price and refuse to budge, the vendor will be less likely to budge too – after all, it takes two to tango. However, if you go too low you’ll lose their interest and they may be insulted. A general rule is go for half of what they originally offer – but remember, so vendors will put their price ridiculously high to begin with, so…
Don’t say yes to the first person, you’re the one in control. Give yourself plenty of time so you can look around and haggle with other people. This will give you an idea of what the average going rate is for what you want, as well as letting you check out different stock.
If you’re going after fakes, make sure you do a little research on how much it should cost (in SEA) and what to look for to make sure it’s either real (highly unlikely) or of good quality.
If you are nearing your maximum price, get the vendor to add a few little extras in, like a bracelet or a bookmark. It means your money is going further, and it’s a cheeky way to get gifts!
Some people will just not play ball. If you’re not getting close to your maximum price don’t be afraid to walk away. Barely anything is one of a kind, so you’ll either be able to pick it up somewhere else, or go back later.
If you can’t agree on a price, don’t be a dick. Remember that these people are just trying to make a living – they’re not personally trying to mug you off. Keep it kind, firm and polite and just move on.
Some vendor will have ‘no change’, or they will say you gave them a 10 when you actually have them a 20. Needing as little change as possible back will reduce any potential drams. I also go into the habit of actually saying the amount on the note as I gave it over.
No one likes people that are too keen. You’re also more likely to leave the vendor thinking they striking a bargain – which may give you a little more wiggle room if you want to lower the price even more.
Vendors want the sale just as much, if not more, than the item(s) you’re haggling over. By adding a little mystery and by not letting them know what you’re thinking, your making them sweat a little. If they ask you a question, wait 10-15 seconds before answering – if you answer at all.
You’re more likely to get a good deal at the end of the day when vendors are a little tired and keener to shift stock.
I hate haggling simply because I feel bad about trying to get a t-shirt down from £3 to £2.50 (that is usually the reality of haggling). But, it’s important to remember that vendors will not let something go if they’re not making a profit on it. You’ll also be paying tourist tax, which means vendors will ALWAYS charge you more than what they’ll charge a fellow native.
I brought a dress that turned out being far too big, and a pair of shorts that were far too small. It’s kind of annoying, but you need to know that the chance of swapping or getting a refund is slim to none.
Vendors can be pushy. By walking away you’ll see how serious they are. 8 out of 10 times they’ll shout after you with a lower price. If they don’t, then try another vendor or go back later. Remember, you’re in control. Don’t be afraid to say no.
Wanderlust Lucy 