How can I avoid or minimise haggling without causing offence?
I'm visiting Dubai soon (although I'm happy to keep the scope of this question wider), where I think haggling is a standard expected part of buying many goods (in my case, probably mostly souvenirs). I don't really enjoy haggling (many reasons, but as the top-rated answer here says, it's tiring) and would prefer to often accept the first price offered.
So: how can I avoid or minimise haggling in shops, bazaars, markets, malls, etc. without causing offence or upsetting anyone there? If I'm happy with the first price offered, and accept it, will people get upset? How will the expectations around haggling vary depending on what I'm buying and where?
(Note: I'm trying to avoid getting into a debate about whether haggling is "good" or "bad" - I know one could argue it's part of the local cultural landscape that's worth participating in - let's say I'm consciously choosing to avoid it).
(this question is related to this one, but I think the objective is a little different :)
Best Answer
If you are offered a price that you are happy with, instead of accepting it, just offer half. You will be offered a third price, that you can accept without offending the seller.
If you are offered to speak first, just say that you are not interested and start to leave. You will eventually be offered a price.
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What strategies are most effective during the haggling process?
To be successful, here are seven strategies to use to get the price you want.- Fall in like \u2014 not in love \u2014 with an item. ...
- Do your research before you go. ...
- Pick the right time to haggle. ...
- Ask the salesperson first, then the manager. ...
- Make an offer they can't refuse.
What is price haggling?
To haggle is to negotiate over the price of a good or service until a mutually-agreed-upon price has been determined. Haggling is a technique that involves two or more parties making sequential offers and counteroffers until an agreement is made.What should you not do when haggling?
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.What do you do if you haggle or barter?
When you offer to trade your vintage jeans for a handwoven shirt in Guatemala, you are engaged in barter\u2014no money is involved. One thing (or service) is traded for another. But when you offer to buy that shirt for less money than the vendor is asking, you are engaged in haggling or bargaining, not bartering.8 Best Psychological Negotiation Tactics and Strategies - How to Haggle
More answers regarding how can I avoid or minimise haggling without causing offence?
Answer 2
No-one will be offended by you avoiding haggling and meeting the first price offered!
The seller will smile, say thank you, hand you the goods, accept your money and probably say "come again please".
If you want a better price that's when you haggle (in places where that is common) and it's also usually accepted without comment. The biggest compliment you can make is to pay them initial price!
If you haggle and offer a pitifully low price and don't budge much, e.g.
Them: Its 24.40
You: How about $5?
Them: ok... how about 22.00?
You: How about $5.50?
Them: hey you're insulting me with that price.
btw haggling does happen in the west a lot. It's just that it's usually for items like cars and houses, not new consumer goods.
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