Haggeling in Egypt

on 8/19/07, heakins posted:

People ask this question a lot. So, I am going to post this here for everyone to see.

There are 3 important tips in bargining in Egypt.

1. Dont ever just buy at the first shop you find something at. Take your time and walk around, get a feel for what people are quoting for prices, be willing to walk away and you will see how far down they come on the price.

2. Dont compair how low you get the price with how low other people get the price. Simply find the price that you are willing to pay. Many tourists get caught up in feeling that everyone is out to screw them over so they compair prices and feel upset that they paid more than someone else. But, there could be many reasons for the difference in price. But, you have to remember that this is their livelyhood and this puts food in the kitchen for their families. If you think that it is worth $10 for that gorgeous statue, then why fret over $2 that could buy the guy lunch for the next week.

3. Once you have an amount in mind that you are willing to pay for an item, secretly move exactly that amount of money into one pocket and the rest somewhere else. Then you can admire all you want and even stroke the guys ego by saying that you like it but you really only have X amount of Egyptian pounds left for this trip. One thing that Egyptian salesmen cant stand is a customer who obviously wants something but might walk out and not come back because it is too high of a price. And, over all, be prepared to take a little time with it. It is not usually something you will work out in 2 seconds. The larger the item, the more haggling you will need to do. So, if it is something larger and/or costs more, expect to sit and have a drink before you walk out with the item.

If you follow these tips, you will be suprised by what you can accomplish. It is not just about the price, but the entire experience.

One final note on shopping in the bazars of Egypt, the Khan el-Khalili is the largest and most popular of tourist bazars. It is a fantastic experience. Chances are you will find something there for less than at the pyramids or tombs. But, if you find yourself overwhelmed while in the Khan el-Khalili, dont hesitate to go in a shop and ask to sit down. The men who run the shops are part of a union of sorts (more based on family connections). They are very hospitable and watch over things closely. Yes, they are out for a sale, but they also want it to be a pleasant expierience. I have known shop owners to track down people that have left a purse behind or call the police of some punk kid does something stupid. So, dont feel that they are just out to get your money.

Most of all, just have fun!!!!!

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on 8/21/07, Mathurin5 comments:

Totally agree… I haven’t haggled in Egypt (haven’t been there yet, but it’s on the list!), but I’ve done so in Turkey and the same rules apply. Once you have a price fixed in your head (based on research you’ve done on foot), wait until you get it… it may take a pot or two of tea and looking at other items and talking about long-lost relatives or whatever, but it’ll be the most rewarding purchase you’ll make.

And the story that goes along with it can be almost as good as the actual souvenier, too.

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on 8/21/07, UK_Franny comments:

It’s also a good idea to offer a price lower than what you actually want to pay—you will usually haggle your way back up to what you’re really willing to part with. It’s a ritual—first you ask how much it is, then you counter. Seasoned pros will also scoff and roll their eyes at the initial offer—but don’t feel you have to do this until you’re ready. Don’t be dismayed if the vendor laughs at your offer—it’s all a part of the dance! There was the great market near my apartment in Taichung that was open every Saturday and sold every Chinesey knick-knack you’d ever want. So, say, when I went to buy a jade bracelet for my mom, it went something like this (this would be mostly in Chinese—it helps to know numbers and “How much for this?” in the language your are haggling in—gets you a little street cred):

“How much for this?”
“$15.”
[I make a sceptical face] – “$15!? No. How about $5?” [I am actually willing to pay $9-10.]
[Vendor laughs benignly as though at a small child who doesn’t know any better.] – “No, no, I could never do it for that cheap. $11, but that is really as low as I can make it.”
“Absolutely not. $6.”
“No.”
This is when you either relent and go up a bit “OK, how about $7?” or walk away. If the vendor is serious, they will say “hey, wait, how about $9?” and you are golden!

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