The Haggler

How to complete The Haggler

Haggling is how prices actually get set in many markets and bazaars: the first number is an opening bid, not a fixed cost. Pulling it off means reading the seller, holding your number, and being ready to walk, which saves money and earns the vendor's respect.

1. Scout a few stalls first to learn the real going rate before committing to one seller.
2. Open with a counter around 40-50% of the first asking price, said with a smile.
3. Name a firm number, then go quiet and let the silence do the work.
4. Bundle items ("both for X?") to unlock a better per-unit deal.
5. Start to walk away, because the final, lowest price often follows you out the door.

Tips

• Pay in local cash; flashing a card or large bills weakens your position.
• Stay friendly and never insult the goods: rapport drops prices faster than aggression.
• Learn the numbers and a greeting in the local language.

What counts as done

You walk away owning the item for clearly less than the price first quoted.