In some countries, bargaining is an art form. Here's how to haggle like a pro, and come home with unique mementos, without breaking the bank.
For many travelers, picking up locally made items is a fun way to help remember a vacation long after it's over, but for honeymooners, it's even more significant. This is probably the most special trip you'll ever take, and you may have plans to buy some big-ticket pieces—such as artwork, jewelry or furniture—that you'll enjoy for years to come. But consider this: Shopping isn't the same abroad as it is at home; in many countries (including Turkey, Mexico and Greece) travelers are expected to bargain in shops, as well as in markets. Use these tips to navigate the process. They'll help you feel confident you're getting the best price—and make you look like a smart traveler, too.
Educate yourself.
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If you know you want to buy a particular item, start researching the product before you go, says importer Murat Küpçü, the owner of New York City's Double Knot boutique, which specializes in Turkish rugs. First, visit shops and websites, specializing in the particular item. Then, learn how to determine the quality of the craftsmanship. For example, you can tell that a Turkish rug is handmade by inspecting the looped yarn on the back of the rug; this is a good way to make sure that a shop isn't passing off a machine-made rug for one that's handmade. Next, get a sense of the price range.
Shop around.
While abroad, don't make a major purchase without checking the rates in several stores. You may be surprised by how much prices vary. Also, know that the figure on the tag of high-quality artisan crafts, such as rugs and pottery, is often 10- to 15-percent higher than what the vendor might accept. For smaller, less-expensive trinkets, the markup can be bigger—perhaps a 30- to 40-percent increase.
Set aside time.
The worst time to bargain is when you're in a hurry. Instead of trying to make purchases on your way to the airport go shopping on a day when you've alotted enough time to make sure that you get what you want, at the right price. In some countries, shopkeepers will even offer you a cup of tea, and invite you to sit down and discuss the item and the price.
Know the rules.
If you find you're interested in a particular item, calmly ask the vendor, "Is that your best price?" If the answer is yes, then unfortunately, with luxury goods, that's where the negotiations stop: By asking for the merchandise at a large discount, Küpçü says that you could risk insulting the merchant. For smaller items, though, feel free to offer a fraction of the price and expect to negotiate back and forth before you and the seller reach an agreement somewhere in the middle. If you are purchasing souvenirs for family and friends, buy them all at once, since you can get a better deal with a volume purchase.
Be a wise consumer.
While most foreign vendors will allow you to pay with a credit card, some will encourage you to pay cash to avoid the extra one- or two-percent fee that often comes with this service. While you will end up paying a little more, it might be worth it to use your card anyway: Credit cards offer valuable consumer protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act. For instance, if you pay for an item with a charge card and have the vendor ship it to your home but the item never arrives, you can dispute the charge by contacting your credit-card company within 60 days of receiving your statement. Since few other countries offer similar consumer-protection laws, your credit card is your only way of protecting your purchase.
Be prepared to walk away.
While leaving the shop and coming back the next day won't get you a better deal on luxury goods, giving yourself some time to evaluate an item will help you make a more thoughtful decision. This way, you can be sure you're going home with the right souvenir to best symbolize your honeymoon for the rest of your lives.
