10 Basic Rules For Bargaining in the Souks of Marrakech

There are very few things that one cannot find inThank him or her kindly and tell him or her that you do
Marrakech, especially in its souk or traditional market,not intend to buy anything, that you don't want to
the largest in Morocco. There you will find all sorts ofwaste his or her time... until you finally accept.
crafts, hand woven fabrics, gastronomic products andRule #6: HIDE YOUR INTEREST
spices, as well as works of art and antiques, fashionIf you're lucky and the shopkeeper offers you the
goods or the best handmade furniture. But there is oneproduct that you actually want to buy, don't let him or
think that you should know before you start shopping:her notice your interest. In case he or she does not
you have to bargain for the best price. Here are 10show you the product you want, ask for the price in
basic rules that will help you haggle in the souks ofthe most absentminded way. Probably, he or she
Marrakech.won't give you a price straight away. If it is clothes, you
Rule #1: DO NOT RUSHcan now try it on. For any other kind of product,
Entering the souks in the medina of Marrakech is likeexamine the quality carefully and ask the shopkeeper
travelling back in time to a period in history where thereabout the materials used, etc. Make him or her
are no calendars or clocks. As far as personal andresponsible with his or her word of the quality of the
commercial relationships go, no one should be in aproduct he or she is selling.
hurry. Once inside the medina, especially if you intendRule #7: EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS TOO
to do some shopping, one knows when you will get in,EXPENSIVE
but one never knows when he or she will get out.When you have managed to get a price from the
Rule #2: BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT YOU SAYshopkeeper, tell him or her that you think that the price
Bargaining is a theatrical performance where each ofis truly astronomical, really expensive, and offer him or
the participants plays a role. Feeling comfortable in ourher no more than half the amount that he or she gave
own role will help us enjoy the process and get goodyou to start with. You should never pay more than
prices. In this sense, it is very important to let tourists75% of the initial price. You can pretend to leave the
know that shopkeepers usually know severalshop or even actually leave it. The shopkeeper will
languages and thus that any comment about the pricemost probably call you back and lower the price.
of a good uttered in front of them will be understoodRule #8: MORE ITEMS MEANS LOWER PRICE
immediately and will possibly give them advantage.If you are thinking of buying several items, do not
Rule #3: SMILEagree a price until you have everything you want to
If you create a relaxed atmosphere in the clientbuy on the counter. Try to get a discount for buying
shopkeeper relation, the shopping experience will beseveral items or even include extra items in the lot for
much easier, pleasant and fun. You will start to hearthe price you are offered.
jokes straight away, even in your own language, soRule #9: KNOW THE LANGUAGE
enjoy the experience and chill out.Try to learn some greetings and other expression in
Rule #4: LOOK OUT OF THE CORNER OF THEthe local language. If the shopkeepers see that you are
EYEnot just a weekend kind of tourist you will have more
If you are interested in a particular product, don't letchances of getting a better deal.
your interest show up. Walk in a relaxed and carefreeRule #10: PROMISE THE MOON
manner, as if you were strolling about, and just amuseBefore reaching an agreement on the price, ask the
yourself looking at other thinks displayed outside theshopkeeper for his or her business card and tell him or
shop, but never ask directly for what you want to buy.her that you will get back and that you will bring friends
Rule #5: LET THE SHOPKEEPER INVITE YOU TOand other buyers to his or her shop if he or she gives
ENTER THE SHOPyou a good price.