Haggling your way to a bargain deal in a souk or market is a huge part of the charm of a holiday in the Middle East or North Africa – but how do you make sure you’re not getting ripped off? Fear not, expert help is at hand. British writer and architect Philip Brebner, who lives between Portugal and Morocco, has been buying and selling rare rugs in the souks of Turkey and Marrakech for over 20 years and has often saved himself hundreds of pounds. Philip, author of the murder-mystery novel Shadows of Marrakech, reveals exclusively to MailOnline Travel his top tips for bagging a bargain with a market shopkeeper. Read on to find out how to avoid getting the rug pulled from underneath you when negotiating a price…
The first step to a successful negotiation, says Philip, is to strike up a conversation and ‘have a laugh’ before asking for the price of an item. ‘It just makes for a more pleasant negotiation,’ he adds. This approach sets the tone for a friendly exchange, which is essential in cultures where haggling is not just about getting a good price but also about building a connection. By taking the time to chat with the shopkeeper, you show respect for their craft and their way of doing business, which can work in your favor when it comes to negotiating. Philip recalls how he once spent hours sipping mint tea with a rug seller in Marrakech, discussing everything from the intricacies of Berber weaving to their shared love of Moroccan football. By the time they got down to business, the seller was so invested in the relationship that he offered Philip a price he couldn’t refuse.
Philip also highlights a common mistake tourists make when shopping in markets: asking the price of a product when they have no intention of buying it. ‘Do not ask the price of anything unless you’re interested in buying,’ he warns. ‘Once you ask the price, you’re immediately opening a negotiation. If you’re not serious about making a purchase, it’s better to admire the item silently or move on.’ Tourists often get frustrated when they’re drawn into a lengthy negotiation they didn’t want to be part of. They might say no to the price, and then the shopkeeper, eager to make a sale, will ask for the tourist’s best offer. This back-and-forth can escalate into an awkward situation, with the tourist storming off because they feel pressured or the shopkeeper becoming insistent. Philip advises, ‘If you see something you really like, and the price seems fair, just pay it. It’s not worth the hassle of haggling if you’re happy with the deal.’
If you are in the mood for a bidding war, Philip recommends starting by offering a third of the price you’re given. ‘You can then meet at a midway point, which would be about 50 or 60 per cent of the original price, and everybody’s happy.’ This approach shows that you’re willing to compromise, which is key in these cultures. However, Philip stresses that this strategy only works if you’re genuinely willing to walk away if the deal doesn’t feel right. He recalls a time he walked out of a shop in Istanbul because the seller refused to budge on the price of a beautiful silk rug. ‘The seller chased me down the street, laughing, and offered me the price I wanted. It’s all part of the game,’ Philip says with a grin.
Philip also addresses the age-old question: Does walking away work? In many cases, yes. ‘If the worst comes to the worst, and you think the price is too high, the best thing to do is walk away. They’ll follow you and ask for your best price, and you can more or less get the price you want.’ However, Philip warns against losing your temper or getting confrontational. ‘Getting grumpy or shirty’ with shopkeepers is a mistake many first-time hagglers make. They assume the shopkeeper is trying to take advantage of them, but in reality, the shopkeeper is just doing their job—trying to make a sale. ‘You have to realise haggling is a cultural thing in the Middle East, especially Morocco. It’s not about annoying people; it’s a social ritual. There’s no sense of time; it’s just about going to the shops, having a chat, and exchanging ideas about what a fair price might be.’
Finally, Philip shares a pro tip that has served him well over the years: Ask the shopkeeper casual questions to smooth the way to a lower price. ‘If you’ve got time, start negotiating a price and then ask him about his shop or his life. If it’s all very relaxed and pleasant, you’ll end up getting a price you like. Even if it’s a bit more than you wanted to spend, you’ll feel like you’ve gained something from the experience.’ Philip’s book, Shadows of Marrakech, is now available in paperback and offers a gripping glimpse into the life of an expat in one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Whether you’re haggling for a rug or solving a murder mystery, Philip Brebner’s insights will keep you on the edge of your seat.
