Bartering Tips

It takes nerves of steel to barter against a seasoned stall holder in North Africa. Remember they have been doing it for centuries, and they know very well that we only get to do it for the few weeks of our lives that we are on holiday.However there is never any reason for it to become tense, and if it does it is best to walk away. Be prepared for any shopping to take up more time than expected, especially when much of the time is spent drinking mint tea. Also remember not to drink so much tea that half your afternoon is spent trying to find a toilet. Be prepared to walk away from a deal, but if it is something that you really want and you are running out of time then don't bargain too hard. You don't want to lose out on the item just in order to have saved yourself a few cents but to have won an argument. Guides often take you to 'the best shops with the best deals" - they are usually getting commission from those shops so they are usually not the best deals. The best advise would be to take an afternoon to look through everything, barter on price at more than one stall for the same item and get to know what is available. Only take money the following day and do your shopping then. If you want two of the same items, get one from one stall and then you can set that price and lower when at another stall.