In Mexico, we found it was different. There s a culture of haggling there that may shock you the fir

We re Americans. As a rule, we don t haggle. When it s a big deal like a car or a house we negotiate for the best possible deal, sure. But, when we re at the souvenir stand on Fisherman s Wharf, boggled by the price of the climate-inappropriate brighton to london travel snow globe clutched in our hands, we may mutter about how ridiculous the price is, but we ll do it while handing over our credit card.
In Mexico, we found it was different. There s a culture of haggling there that may shock you the first time you pick something up in a shop, admire it, then are chased out by the shop owner offering to knock 10% off the price after you ve already set it down. This didn t seem to happen that often in the more trafficked spots especially in Cancun proper but it was certainly common in some of the less touristy places like Playa Del Carmen and at the little brighton to london travel stalls near La Bufadora.
Haggling is practically national sport for many Mexican merchants, and you should get into the thrill of it. I have heard from some friends that, as rich Americans, we should simply pay the asking price and be glad we re supporting the local economy. Sure and because Denver brighton to london travel had a bad year, we should just hand them the Super Bowl. It s not being cheap it s playing the game!
Determine the absolute most you re willing to pay for the item. This is your starting point, but it s also your final straw you will not, under any circumstances, pay more than this price. It should be less than or equal to the listed price preferably less. Keep the price in your head, to yourself (don t even tell your spouse) and dig your heels in.
Be prepared to walk. This is a tough one. The item is so perfect brighton to london travel for Aunt Martha and who knows where else you ll find it? This may be your only chance! Tough. If you can t get it for no less than the price you;re brighton to london travel willing to pay, you have to be willing to smile, put it back on the shelf and say, No, Gracias. Worst case scenario, you find something else for a price you are willing brighton to london travel to pay. More likely scenario the merchant will break down and finally offer it at your final price. Either way, you ll come out a winner.
Watch your body language. It s fine to show your excitement for the item heck, I encourage it. But don t tip your hand as to just how much you want it. Remember step 2 you have to be willing to walk away from it if you can;t get it for the price you want. Your body language needs to reflect brighton to london travel this.
Open the bidding at half what you re willing to pay. Yes, the shop keeper will probably try the make a serious offer play. Fine. Put the item down and start walking out. If you don t hear a reasonable counter offer by the time you hit the door, you really shouldn t be giving that person your money anyway.
brighton to london travel Get creative with bulk buys. Perhaps you want to get the same bottle of tequila with the little clay guy hugging it for each of your co-workers. Or perhaps there are several other items you also have your eye on in the store. Indicate this to the shop keeper. What if I also buy this here? What kind of a deal can you give me for both of them?
Ask whether paying in US Dollars brighton to london travel can get you a better deal. When I was in Mexico, the exchange rate was about 10 pesos to a dollar, but this changed depending on which cambio you hit. If they can get a better exchange rate than you, they may be willing to accept the money in straight dollars and give you a better price. But make sure you re doing the math correctly in your head you d hate to wind up paying more than you planned simply because of a rounding error.
If you do wind up walking out on a deal, don t be disappointed. You took part in an age-old cultural exchange that gave you a real opportunity to connect like a local, even if you were only trying to buy that One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor shirt at a ridiculously low price.
Occasionally, brighton to london travel I'll send you updates on my research, which will include hot deals and special offers that will get you to Mexico quicker and for fewer pesos. I will NOT sell, give, slip under the table or give up the information you provide me to ANYONE without your explicit permission, no matter how much tequila they give me.