Lively Bargaining – Shopping in Egypt’s Souks
Despite massive modernization, Egypt still manages to preserve their ancient culture. Part of that culture is shopping for low-cost goods in colorful, lively souks. Souks are local open-air markets, comprising establishments that range from stores with fronts that are covered with colorful awnings to simple stalls with nothing more than a chair, a table or mat to place the merchandise on, and a large umbrella to protect the merchant from the burning sun. shopping in Egypt
Historically, souks were erected outside cities, usually at places where incoming caravans would stop. Merchants would then display their merchandise. As years went by, souks then shifted inside urban centers due to the phenomenal growth and business potential of a city.
If you go through the narrow passages of the souks, you would easily observe that the place is extremely noisy. And if you listen closely, you would notice a healthy exchange between the prospects and merchants. Yes, you guessed it; they are bargaining. In souks, haggling prices is the norm. If you want to fully experience shopping in a souk as well as saving money, then you should master a few haggling skills. With a little practice, you can get the shirt, trinket, artwork, gadget, spice, or any other item at the right price.
Bargaining Pointers
* Foremost, remember that the objective of bargaining is to agree on a price that will make both you and the merchant happy. Therefore, haggling to an unreasonably low price will only result in the merchant waving you off.
* The merchant will sometimes invite you for a cup of tea or coffee while showing off his products. Don’t be obliged to buy something just because he gave you something to drink.
* Your first bid should be half of the price on the tag. Most often, the merchant won’t agree to such a low price and would propose a figure closer to the tag price. With that, you now have an idea of your bargaining window. You can then propose a price a lower than his offer.
* If you find an item that you’re very interested in, don’t show too much excitement or interest. In fact, stay indifferent or pretend to be bored. When merchants detect that you badly want the item, they would usually stick to the tag price, giving you no room for negotiation.
* Stick to your price if you know that you’re right. If the merchant does not concede, then simply say thanks and walk away. Chances are, he will come running to you to accede to your price rather than lose you to a potential competitor.
* Resist the temptation to buy items at the first shop on your path. Stroll around the souk and look around for cheaper alternatives. That way, you can start bargaining at a lower price.
Travel to Egypt now and happy shopping!
Historically, souks were erected outside cities, usually at places where incoming caravans would stop. Merchants would then display their merchandise. As years went by, souks then shifted inside urban centers due to the phenomenal growth and business potential of a city.
If you go through the narrow passages of the souks, you would easily observe that the place is extremely noisy. And if you listen closely, you would notice a healthy exchange between the prospects and merchants. Yes, you guessed it; they are bargaining. In souks, haggling prices is the norm. If you want to fully experience shopping in a souk as well as saving money, then you should master a few haggling skills. With a little practice, you can get the shirt, trinket, artwork, gadget, spice, or any other item at the right price.
Bargaining Pointers
* Foremost, remember that the objective of bargaining is to agree on a price that will make both you and the merchant happy. Therefore, haggling to an unreasonably low price will only result in the merchant waving you off.
* The merchant will sometimes invite you for a cup of tea or coffee while showing off his products. Don’t be obliged to buy something just because he gave you something to drink.
* Your first bid should be half of the price on the tag. Most often, the merchant won’t agree to such a low price and would propose a figure closer to the tag price. With that, you now have an idea of your bargaining window. You can then propose a price a lower than his offer.
* If you find an item that you’re very interested in, don’t show too much excitement or interest. In fact, stay indifferent or pretend to be bored. When merchants detect that you badly want the item, they would usually stick to the tag price, giving you no room for negotiation.
* Stick to your price if you know that you’re right. If the merchant does not concede, then simply say thanks and walk away. Chances are, he will come running to you to accede to your price rather than lose you to a potential competitor.
* Resist the temptation to buy items at the first shop on your path. Stroll around the souk and look around for cheaper alternatives. That way, you can start bargaining at a lower price.
Travel to Egypt now and happy shopping!
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