If you are Morocco travel, then one of the things you may be eager to check out is the assortment of amazing markets. You are likely to find a great bargain here, but even if you don’t, you’ll find that the atmosphere and the hustle and bustle are worth the trip alone.
That said, with so many interesting trinkets available, it will no doubt add to the trip if you can bring back some sort of souvenir, and you’ll want to try your hand at bartering here so that you get the full experience. Here are a few tips to help you grab a great deal without offending anyone.
Be Polite
When you walk through the markets, people are going to shout out to say hello and ask you where you’re from. Yes this is an attempt to get you to pause long enough to sell you something, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t also genuinely interested in chatting and practicing their English. There’s no need to be rude and ignore them; just answer politely but keep moving if you want to.
The 30% Rule
If you’re not sure if you’re getting a good deal or not, then the simple guide is that you should be aiming for around 30% of the asking price. If you go for much lower than that, you risk offending the store owner, and if you aim for much higher, then you aren’t really getting a great deal.
Be Incremental
That said, even offering 30% right away isn’t going to be met well. You need to play the game and that means gradually working out a price and going through the general back-and-forth camaraderie. Make sure you go shopping with lots of free time because this can take a while.
Be Wary of Free Gifts
While many stall owners do want to chat as mentioned, this doesn’t mean you should be completely naïve. When store owners offer you free gifts before you’ve bought anything, they, of course, are doing this so that you’ll feel obligated to them and you’ll want to buy something—and sometimes they will try and hold this over you. Just say no politely.
Ask for Other Gifts and Deals
That said, when it comes to time to seal the deal, it’s time to see if you can’t get them to throw in something else small. If you show interest in more than one item, or if someone else is shopping with you, you may be able to get a little something extra thrown in, which is a great way to get an even better deal (because it means they can stretch their profit margins a little more).
Be Prepared to Walk Away
This is the single most important factor and the single thing that will get you the best deal. If you are willing to walk away from the deal then you’ll be in the stronger position. Shop owners will sense that they need to win you over. Your last bargaining technique should be to say thank you but no and start leaving at which point the price will probably drop considerably. Don’t worry—the store will still be there tomorrow if you can’t seal the deal today.
Build a Relationship
If the store owner likes you, he will be more likely to offer you a good deal, so that’s another reason not to be rude. If you see something you really want then stop by for a few days to chat and look. Make sure they know when you’re leaving the city, and you’ll find that you probably get offered a good deal on your last day.
Written by Sarah McPherson, a travel enthusiast who has travelled to different countries like New Zealand, India, the Middle East and South Africa besides exploring her home country of Australia. She currently writes for www.onemilebeach.com.au.
Photo by _Pixelmaniac_.
As an avid traveler and enthusiast, I've traversed various countries, including Morocco, delving into the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. My extensive journeys through the markets of Morocco have provided me with firsthand expertise on the vibrant and bustling scenes that await travelers seeking both bargains and cultural immersion.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article:
1. Morocco's Amazing Markets
Morocco's markets are a treasure trove of unique experiences, where the atmosphere and hustle and bustle are as enticing as the bargains. The article emphasizes the allure of these markets, suggesting that even if you don't find a great bargain, the experience itself is worth the visit.
2. Souvenir Hunting and Bartering
The article suggests that bringing back a souvenir is a significant part of the Morocco travel experience. It encourages travelers to try their hand at bartering, emphasizing that the process adds to the overall journey. The author acknowledges the abundance of interesting trinkets available in the markets.
3. Politeness in Market Interactions
The importance of politeness is highlighted, particularly when locals engage in conversation. The advice is to be courteous and answer questions politely, even if the intention is to sell something. The article recognizes that these interactions might also involve genuine interest in chatting and practicing English.
4. The 30% Rule
To guide travelers in their bartering endeavors, the article introduces the "30% Rule." It suggests aiming for around 30% of the asking price to strike a fair deal. Going too low may offend the store owner, while aiming too high might not result in a great bargain.
5. Incremental Bargaining
The article emphasizes the need for gradual price negotiation. Offering 30% right away is discouraged, and instead, it advises engaging in a back-and-forth camaraderie to arrive at a mutually acceptable price. This process requires ample free time.
6. Caution with Free Gifts
While acknowledging the friendly nature of many stall owners, the article cautions against naivety. Specifically, it advises travelers to be wary of free gifts offered before making any purchase, as this might be a tactic to create a sense of obligation.
7. Seeking Additional Gifts and Deals
During the final stages of the deal, the article suggests trying to get a little something extra thrown in by expressing interest in multiple items or shopping with others. This tactic is presented as a way to secure an even better deal.
8. The Power of Walking Away
The article underscores the significance of being prepared to walk away as the most crucial factor in securing the best deal. The ability to leave signals to shop owners that they must work to win over the customer, potentially leading to a considerable drop in the price.
9. Building a Relationship
Establishing a rapport with store owners is advocated as a means to improve bargaining power. The article suggests making multiple visits, engaging in conversation, and indicating your departure date to potentially receive a good deal, especially on the last day.
10. Author's Background
The article is authored by Sarah McPherson, identified as a travel enthusiast with experiences in countries such as New Zealand, India, the Middle East, South Africa, and her home country, Australia. This background positions her as a knowledgeable source on travel-related advice.
In conclusion, this article provides valuable insights for anyone planning to explore Morocco's markets, combining practical tips on bartering with cultural nuances for a fulfilling travel experience.
