Shopping is one of must-activities to do when you travel to new places. You may buy some souvenirs, some clothes for change, snacks, etc. However, you don’t really know about the how pricing works in different countries so you end up bargaining for everything you are trying to buy. And that’s fine especially when you go to a local market. Bargaining can be fun too as you can interact with the locals in another level. 

How to master the skills of bargaining when travelling

It’s often that tourists are charged more expensive prices for various goods and services. It’s considered normal but you can still bargain to get a good deal. Bargaining like a pro when travelling is possible if you learn these tips:

Smile and Stay respectful

Bargain is not a fight so you don’t have to take it too seriously. Do it with by smiling and stay respectful with the sellers. Treat bargaining as a dialogue get the common ground beneficial for both parties. Bargaining is not a way to rob each other out but help each other out.  

Don’t be the first to say the price

In bargaining, the rule is, it’s the first one who says the price that loses. For example, if the seller says the price first, it means you are not going to pay more than that price. If you as a buyer say the price first, the buyer won’t sell the product less than that. It’s best to let the seller set the price first so you can bargain to lower it. 

Bargain in local language

Bargaining in local language is more natural for them and can raise a sense of familiarity, making them nicer and friendlier to you. They know you don’t come from where they are and you being able to speak in their language is a sign of appreciation to their culture. You can also learn short, easy phrases the local often use. Use them when bargaining with the local sellers and get them hooked. 

Never show your wallet before final price is set

Never show your wallet especially if it’s full of bills. The seller may charge you higher if they see you have so much money in your wallet. Try not to look like a wealthy person if you want to get a good deal. Stay humble and only show money when the deal is final. 

Be patience

Bargaining may take time but that’s part of the art. It’s not a sprint so treat it like a long distance run. You need to be patient with the process because being in hurry will only make the seller wait until you are too pressured to just go with their price instead. 

Start way lower than you would actually pay

This is another ‘know-how’ in bargaining.  It’s a must to leave some margins for negotiation. By starting lower and increase you offer, it show the seller that you put your effort too to a compromise. The lower you start, the more room for you to negotiate.