If you’ve never haggled before, it can be quite challenging and make you nervous. I mean, you don’t want to end up feeling like you still paid way too much. And you also don’t want to offend the vendor by naming a price that is too low.

The first time I had to haggle for something, was in Turkey. It’s really weird to do, when you’re used to fixed prices. But don’t let the challenge and fear stop you from haggling. It can sometimes save you up to 80% of the asking price!
Our best haggle ever was in Beijing, when we bought a really good backpack for $15, where he started with an asking price of $150!

If you want to know more about how to haggle and how to buy something for the price that you feel OK with, then read this article.

1. Don’t forget to research prices in advance

You really want to check in advance if you can find information about your destination with regards to haggling. There are blog posts and sometimes also YouTube videos of people who have shopped at local markets and shops. And they can provide you with valuable information about how much you can drop the asking price. For example, in a lot of countries you can start with bidding 25% of the asking price, without the risk of offending the vendor. And without getting ripped off. Knowing this information, can make it more relaxed and enjoyable for you to haggle. And you’ll end up buying things for good prices.

2. Don’t decide to not haggle at all

Some people are so nervous, that they would rather pay the full asking price than haggling. This is a huge mistake and you can end up spending a lot more money than you should have. Which you could have spent on great excursions or a nice diner.

Since haggling is not common in Europe and the U.S., it’s not in our nature to haggle. But in other countries it’s not only common, but it’s expected! You want to blend in and don’t want to come of as being too rich to be bothered to haggle, or to weak to haggle.
So even if you feel uncomfortable doing so, just do it. And you’ll eventually will get the hang of it.

3. Don’t get angry when the vendor doesn’t lower his price

You don’t want to come off as being an easy mark to take advantage of. But you also don’t want to look aggressive or angry. Always stay polite. You will get a lot further that way. If the vendor doesn’t lower his price at one point, and you’re convinced you can get it for less, just thank him and walk away.

Walking away can go two ways

Walking away while haggling, can go two ways. Either the vendors calls you back and you’ll get it for the price you want. Or the vendor doesn’t call you back. And then you know the price you offered was too low. You can just buy the product at another vendor. Because there are always many stalls that offer the same products, at similar prices. And at that point you know just how low you can go. So you’ll get the goods for a good price.

4. Don’t buy fake products

If you don’t mind buying fake products, because they’re cheap, then that’s fine. Within the legally allowed amount of course.
But if you want to buy the real deal and it ends up being fake and you’re held at customs, you’re not going to be happy.

Getting scammed with fake goods is very common. So if you want to buy specific brand products or genuine products (like leather, rugs etc.), do your research beforehand. That way, you can find out which stores to go to, where to look for when checking if something is real or not, or how you can tell something is really handmade.

5. Don’t just buy anything because it’s cheap

Keep in mind that you have to bring everything you buy back home with you. Which means you have to take it with you in your backpack or suitcase. Or in case of really big items, you will have to get them shipped back home. For example, nice Balinese furniture. The more you travel, the more souvenirs you collect. And what do you really do with them, is what you should ask yourself at one point.

If you’re doubting whether you want to buy something or not, and you know you’re going to be in the same town the next day, just think about it. But if you really really like something, don’t think ‘Oh, I will buy it at the end of my holiday’, because changes are you won’t be able to find it then. And you will be really bummed out. It has happened to me twice. So if you’re really crazy about something, buy it. Otherwise, you might want to think it over. If you really need it and if it’s worth the hassle to bring it home with you.

Also read my article ‘12 Tips for haggling like a Pro‘