How to Locate a Souvenir Bargain - learn strategies for haggling and shopping for fixed-price souvenirs.Travel guide books often outline souvenir items for which a country is noted. If something interests you, check the price for the same item at home before you depart (assuming the item is available at home). Should you find this item in your travels, you have the means to compare prices. Sometimes the item may even be cheaper at home. One option is to purchase items of interest before you travel. Alternatively you can purchase your souvenirs as you travel. Read on for more information below.
Prices are openly displayed on fixed price items. While there may be some room for price negotiation, flexibility is likely to be limited. You usually end up playing the fixed price. Ask for a discount if you pay cash rather than using a credit card. Merchants often factor in the price of the credit card fee into the purchase.
Start by doing your research when you arrive at your destination.
1) Visit government shops. The prices are fixed and likely represent the upper end of the price range. Flea market-style items are less likely to be found here however. 2) Check the prices in stores where the locals shop and buy there if possible – the lower end of the price range. If prices are not displayed, there may be a double standard – the price for locals and the price for “suckers”. 3) Using the above price range, determine how much the item is worth to you. 4) Shop around and prepare to haggle
1) Dress down when shopping as this suggests that you are rich. 2) Don’t show your money to the merchant – it shows you are wealthy and places you at a disadvantage. 3) Never show any interest in the item that you are haggling for. If the merchant sees that you are interested in the item, he will be less flexible with his haggling. 4) Never make the first offer of purchase price. In doing so you have set the lower limit of the haggling. By letting the merchant set the first purchase price, he sets the upper limit of the haggling. 5) Cut the merchant’s initial price by two thirds (2/3) and use this as your counter offer. This will throw the merchant off as he was expecting you to counter with a price that is half of his. 6) Ignore any sob stories that the merchant might tell you during the haggling. If the merchant was telling you the truth he would stop the haggling himself.
Merchants make their living by haggling. You do not. Therefore never assume that you are getting the better of these people. They are most likely just toying with you.
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