The Art of Haggling
Haggling Tips: How To Get More for Less

Bargaining isn't for the faint-hearted - but like many social skills - and it is a social skill - the art of haggling can be learned.

Start small - just by asking the price. Then add a question: Is this your best price? Or if that's too forward for you, simply say: "This is too expensive." This technique will get the bargaining ball rolling no matter how unaccustomed you are to debating prices.

I have a distinct advantage in this area, having been born into a Mediterranean family in which bargaining was always worth a try. Even in the poshest shop, my father would smile broadly at the salesperson and ask for a discount while I ducked behind a rack in embarrassment.

And to my surprise and mortification, it often worked! Over the years I saw him get upgrades on flights, discounts on designer goods, and free meals in restaurants.

I wouldn't go that far, but I'm not averse to asking a shop whether this is their best price (and it often isn't!) or, my favorite, walking into a bazaar.

The art of haggling and bargaining are fine arts of travel, but like many age-old customs, they are governed by unwritten laws.

The unwritten art of haggling

In some parts of the world, like the Middle East and Asia, prices are artifically hiked for tourists so chances are you will haggle - and be expected to do so.

But before you even start haggling, there are a few things you should know:

• Make sure the art of haggling is indeed a local custom. There's no point in trying to lower the price at a Swiss watchmaker or in a Wal-Mart store.

• Most government-run shops have fixed prices: don't bother bargaining. The same usually goes for supermarkets, bottles of alcohol, or public transportation fares.

• Only ask the price if you're serious about buying. Western-style comparison shopping isn't the norm everywhere and is often frowned upon.

• Courtesy lies at the heart of most bargaining. Aggression or anger will usually not get you what you want so please, leave your frustration outside.

• In some countries you'll be offered tea, coffee or sweets during haggling. This is intended to lull you into buying, but stick to your guns. It's a normal part of bargaining and you're under no obligation to buy as a result - no matter how pushy the seller gets.

• But once you start bargaining and make an offer, honor it. Notice the word honor - it's a question of principle. Backing out of an offer is considered shameful by most.

• If you're brought to a shop or stall by someone, like a driver or guide, the final price will be more expensive. Yourmiddleman will be getting a cut.

• If the seller refuses to negotiate, his price may already be acceptable.

• If you buy several articles, the unit price should go down.

• Appear disinterested. The seller is watching your every move and the asking price will go up in tandem with your apparent interest.

• If you feel you're really being taken for a ride or if a vendor becomes abusive, leave. You're there to carry out a transaction, not to be insulted.

• Expect to be pressured. Plenty of tactics will be brought to bear on you. You'll be told it costs nothing to look, but once you're in the shop the hard-sell begins. Stay in control and remember, as long as you haven't made an offer, you don't have to buy.

• All's fair in love and shopping. Don't necessarily believe you are buying an original Vuitton or Rolex (you aren't) - or even real leather, for that matter. Expect to be lied to.
• Leave your guilt aside - especially when hearing about starving relatives or expensive merchandise. They are simply part of the art of haggling.

• Be prepared to walk away and give up. If you can't agree on a price, there's no point in prolonging the agony.

• If you're not planning on buying, say so. Tell the vendor you'll be back another day and that you're just looking. It won't stop them from trying to sell, but at least you'll have a clear conscience as you walk away.

• And finally, haggling is a smiling and pleasant activity, so please, make sure any unpleasantness is left at the door.

Courtesy is always important when you haggle - these bargaining tips will help you develop the right attitude. Certainly, you are being charged more than a local. But then, you do have a lot more money! You may spend in a day what a woman in a developing country would spend in a month so please, bear that in mind. What you save by haggling may pay for a week's food for a family in need.

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