Appropriate shopping behavior can vary between cultures, and learning the rules can be both fun and anxiety-inducing for assignees. In some countries, the vendor sets the price, with no exceptions. In others, such as is common in the Middle East and parts of Asia, a certain amount of haggling is expected. And in yet others, there are contextual clues that must be paid attention to when deciding when and where to make a counteroffer. Living Abroad’s Country Reports include specific information in their Everyday Shopping and Food Shopping sections, but here are some general tips for successful haggling:
Know when and where:
While most everyone knows not to try to bargain in a department store, not even every open-air market accepts offers. In some markets, especially those aimed at tourists, the listed price is what is expected. In some countries, such as Chile, locals dislike haggling even though it’s common in neighboring Peru. If a vendor looks perplexed or annoyed instead of meeting you in the spirit of bargaining, drop the issue.
Learn the local language:
Many vendors will not speak your language, but with some basic numbers and knowing how to say ¿es lo menos? (Is that the least (price)?) in Mexico or İndirim yapabilir misiniz? (Can you give a discount?) in Turkey will make things go smoothly. If nothing else, prepare your translation app in advance.
Don’t get angry:
If a seller offers a price you think is too high, or will not come down, don’t feel offended or like the seller is taking advantage of your perceived wealth as an expatriate. Haggling is meant to be approached in the spirit of a fun give-and-take. If you become annoyed, simply walk away.
Make it a win-win:
Don’t expect to get the best deal just buying one item at peak time. You’re more likely to find an amenable seller with a bulk purchase, or by making your offer at the end of the day when they’d likely rather unload than take unsold merchandise home. And don’t make an insultingly low offer- starting at 60% of the offered price is a good ballpark.
Remember, the goal of a culture of bargaining is not to get the lowest price possible, it is to build relationships between local residents and vendors. For an assignee who will be living in a neighborhood for a year or more, these relationships can become a valuable part of the assignment.
Written by Kate Havas, GMS-T, Content Manager
