Basic matter during shopping on souk in Morocco is haggling. Bargaining a price down is expected in many cultures. It is particularly true in Morocco where prices in the souks will likely be inflated for the tourist trade. You can, of course, pay the asking price, but knowing or even thinking you got a deal by haggling can be a treasured memory.  Following are some tips so that you do not need to feel shy or awkward haggling for rugs, shoes, spices or clothing.  Pretty much everything in Morocco is open for haggling.

 BE RESPECTFUL

Remember always that the person with whom you are haggling is just trying to make a living. Of course you want to get a fair price but be mindful the vendor is just doing his job. Haggling is actually a cultural experience and a wonderful interaction with the locals. Getting a fair price is important, but be respectful while haggling.

KEEP YOUR CALCULATOR HANDY

Language barriers can be a challenge and many times end up with you playing a game of charades with the vendor. With your smartphone, you most likely have a calculator. Use this to show the vendor what you are willing to pay. A currency converter is also a very handy app to have while haggling. This currency converter works well for you to enter the price you are willing to pay in your currency and then converts to local currency for the vendor to see.

 NEVER WALK AWAY FROM AN AGREED PRICE

When it comes to negotiation, both the seller and the buyer should honor the unspoken rules of haggling. If the number you’ve chosen is a fair price, then stick to it or run the risk of offending the seller and losing his or her respect. The exception to the rule here is if you’re bargaining for an item you simply can’t walk away from, you may have to be more flexible in your negotiations. Only negotiate if you are serious about a purchase.

KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY

You can simply say la, shukraan or non. merci and walk away. If the vendor appears to be stubborn on the price and you do not wish to pay, it is time to say no thank you and take your business to another vendor. Many times, as you are walking away, the vendor may call for you to come back. It is possible you will then get a much better price, but not always! No one likes to see a potential customer leave.

KNOW YOUR PRICE

This is probably the most important point when negotiating. If you know what you will most likely be purchasing, do your homework. Comparison shop. Talk to the locals. Knowing what locals pay is a great advantage in negotiating. Also keep in mind that if you are only a few dollars off your price, seal the deal with a handshake. It is all about getting a fair price, not an exact price.

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