Visiting a foreign country is always an interesting experience, particularly when one gets an opportunity to discover their charms and culture in person. The sheer difference between one region of the country and another is sometimes even more stunning than what one can find between multiple countries.
Turkey is a very specific country that is known for many things. What most people get frustrated by is their local markets and the bargaining, which is a normal occurrence. Tourists are often preyed on, simply because they do not know how to bargain. Well, look no further, for here are some tips on how to successfully bargain in Turkey.
Get to Know the Market and the Price
A great deal about getting the right price is knowing the market you want to shop in. Markets tend to have different prices and some are better than others. If you are interested in a specific item, you should ask for a price in more than a single shop, to get an idea of what a medium price is. You can also feel the markets, in the sense of getting a feel of things, what the sellers are like and what you might expect in terms of bargaining, for example, whether one seller will push harder for their preferred price, as opposed to others. This way, you will know where to push and where not to even attempt to bargain. It will also give you an idea of how far you might want to go with lowering the price.
Shopping is Like Poker
Showing your emotions or desire is only going to tell the shopkeeper that they can get away with a price you will most likely not be happy with. This is why you should have a poker face and try not to show any emotions about an item of interest. Ask around for a price, prod to see the limits. You can always walk away and more often than not, the shopkeeper will ask to lower the price, particularly if you changed your mind and decided not to purchase because of the “steep” price.
Nothing is Set in Stone
If you do not give the money and purchase the item, it is not purchased. Whenever you want to purchase something, a deal is not done until you pay for it. The most common currency is cash, or rather, the Turkish lira. Never assume that you have to pay for anything that you do not want to purchase. If you do not like a price or an item after getting a closer look, walk away, or find something else of interest.
Getting back to a shop after some time has passed allows for a clearer picture of the prices and what other shops may have on offer. Always know when to walk away, or rather, that you do not have to purchase anything.
Bargaining in Turkish markets is rather simple. After getting a feel for the shopkeepers and the market prices, one can examine and try to bargain for a lower price but ultimately, they can walk away if things are not satisfactory. Always remember to keep your cool.
