When you visit Thailand, you will notice there are some excellent deals to be had when shopping. You can also improve these deals if you learn to haggle over the price, and many things are up for negotiating when you go shopping. If you are heading to Thailand soon on holiday, below you will find some tips on haggling that may help you get some excellent deals when you go shopping in the Land of Smiles.
Always Be Polite
No matter what your mood is or what mood the vendor you are trying to negotiate is in, always ensure that you are polite. If you are rude, you may find that the vendor will not budge on price and can even refuse to deal with you.
Be Friendly & Smile
When you are trying to negotiate for a sterling silver pendant, wholesale prices are much more likely if you are smiling and are friendly with the vendor. It can also help if you are purchasing more than one item, and the more you buy, the more likely you are to get a more significant movement on the price.
Let Them Make The First Move
When you see something that you want to buy, instead of rushing in all guns blazing, let the vendor tell you the best price for the product first. You can then start to haggle over the price and try and get yourself the best deal possible.
Do Not Start Too Low
Once the vendor has made the first move and stated the price, you will want to make a counteroffer. However, you will want to ensure that you do not start too low which may cause offence. A good rule of thumb is to start at around 20% lower that what they asked for, and you can then negotiate from there.
Be Prepared To Walk Away
Many things are available to barter in Thailand, but you will find some vendors will not budge on the price. You will need to be prepared to walk away if you cannot get the deal you want, and most likely, whatever you wish to purchase is available elsewhere. You can find that if you are prepared to walk away, the vendor will come after you and try and negotiate after all.
Practice Makes Perfect
Haggling is a skill, and the more practice you get, the better you will be at it. There will be plenty of occasions when you can practice your haggling when you are in Thailand and pick up some excellent bargains from the Land of Smiles.
