When it comes to bargaining, many of us are at a distinct disadvantage. We are conditioned to going into a store, paying whatever price the item we want is worth, and getting on with our lives. The only time we expect to have to bargain is when we are buying something really expensive like a house or a brand new car. The idea of walking into a store and expecting the store owner to just lower the price can be mind boggling.

Have a Plan

There are several things that make for a good bargainer. The first is the ability to walk away. Before you even approach the shop owner you need to decide how badly you want the product. You also need to decide what the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend on the product is going to be.

Be Prepared To Walk Away

If the shop owner is not willing to bargain, than you should simply walk away. Sometimes this will cause the shop keeper to start to haggle. Other times this won't phase the shop keeper at all.

Get Some Help

Get used to getting treated like a rich snob. In many places tourists are thought of as people that have more money than they know what to do with. If a shop keeper owns a shop that attracts a large amount of tourists, he has probably already raised his prices. If you have a friend that is a native to the country that you are visiting, have them approach the shop keeper. The chances are pretty good that your friend will have better luck negotiating a lower price for the item than you would have.

Stay pleasant

Do you remember

that old adage about catching more flies with honey than vinegar? The same is true when you are trying to bargain with a shop keeper. Always stay pleasant. You are more likely to get a good deal if you are smiling and calm than if you lose your temper.

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(Photo:Fotolia/swisshippo)

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