Haggling can be a daunting task. I approached the whole situation with trepidation, but quickly lost all limits when I saw how easy it is to settle on a price. Here is a list of helpful (if I do say so myself) tips on how to pay what you want for items!!!

1. Don’t be needy. It’s not attractive in any situation, especially haggling. Its very important not to get attached to an item. Remember there are a million shops to go to with similar, if not the same thing for sale. You have to be prepared to walk away.

2. Don’t Be Unreasonable. The vendor is trying to make a living. You can’t expect him (or her) to give you the item for less than they paid for it. If the vendor has stopped negotiating on a price, ask yourself if it is really that big of a deal. It may be a couple dollars to you, but quite a significant amount for the vendor. Don’t waste your day making sure you get the best deal on the cotton shirt or Buddha figurine. And honestly, if you are hung up about the extra dollar you probably don’t want the item that badly. And if you do want it, don’t loose the item over a few cents just for the sake of winning the haggle. It’s important to remember the goals of haggling: to BOTH agree on a fair price.

3. Don’t Start Yelling When the Vendor Isn’t Coming Down. Be relaxed at all times. You don’t want to take it to the next level and move from haggling to arguing. Always be polite and cheerful when haggling, even friendly. Remember that haggling is a fabulous way of interacting with local people. The worst thing to do is cause a scene, or create a negative vibe between you and the vendor. If there is a problem agreeing on a price, tell the vendor you will move along down the street (to other stores) and return for the item. They will probably cut you a deal at that point.

4. Know your limits. You must set a price, and stick to it, even if it means walking away. If you start changing your price around, acting overwhelmed and scared the vender will know you are incompetent and that you will probably cave.

5. Walk away. Don’t stay too long with a vendor. If you can’t agree on a price, the best thing to do is walk away. 99% of the time the vendor will chase you, offering a lower price.

6. Learn the language. It is best to learn a few phrases of the local language before you hit the markets. It really helps the communication level, and makes you appear more “with it”. Learn numbers, so you can state your price, and some phrases. Simple ones like “how much,” “too expensive,” “no way,” “thats insane,” will suffice.

7. Act. A lot. When the vendor quotes a large price, look at him (or her) in shock, widen your eyes, drop your jaw, a sharp intake of breath is also appropriate. Haggling is like poker. It’s all about bluffing, and if you act shocked at the price, the vendor will probably back off a little.

8. Feeling Frisky? Pretend You Don’t Like It. State things you don’t like about the piece, imperfections that obviously make it not worth the x amount of dollars asked for it. Tell the vendor what you will pay for it, despite it’s problems. Be creative with the problems too. For example, I wanted a beautiful piece of Thai red silk, with elephants etched into it with gold thread. There was nothing wrong with it, it was exquisite. However, it was a pricer item. I told the vendor I wanted it, but probably was not going to buy it because the red was too red. “It wont go with anything in my apartment.” I decided to go to another vendor to find more colors, when she dropped the price dramatically.

9. Multiple Item Discounts. These are very effective. If you are buying more than one item at a shop or stall, the vendor will usually give you an all-around discount for buying many items. If they don’t, ASK for it. I bought six bracelets at a stall (and got a bulk discount for those), but came back later in the night to buy one more. She remembered me, and gave me a substantial discount on the last one because I had bought so many previously.

10. Start Low, Then Go Lower. If the shopkeeper acts insulted, don’t fall for it. Act insulted right back at his outrageous price, then, suggest a price lower than what you originally suggested. For example, a vendor offered me something for 700b to which I said I would only pay 400b for. He then countered with 650b. I offered 250b. This often shows the vendor you are not willing to back off of your original price.

11. Don’t Dress Up. I’m not saying to go to the market looking like you should be begging for alms, but my point here is that you probably shouldn’t go flashing around your Prada bag.

So there you go! Some tips on how to start your haggling career! Oh, and remember that once you agree on a price, it is expected you will buy it! It’s offensive to walk away after you have both agreed on a fair price!