How to bag a bargain

Shopping is one of the top things to do when on holiday, according to travel retailer Flight Centre and travellers love to be able to bring back something that will remind them of their holiday.

Flight Centre marketing manager Brent Novak points out that haggling for exotic goods or cheap knock-offs is still a great way to spend an afternoon.

In many countries, especially places in Asia and the Middle East it is expected that travellers haggle and learning some of the top tips of haggling will result in not only getting a good price but also fun interaction with the locals.

So here are a few tips from Flight Centre consultants to make any budding shopper a true bargain hunter:

1. Find out if bargaining is appropriate
Trying to bargain at Bloomingdales or Macy’s in New York would probably get you some pretty odd looks from staff, so it’s important to remember that not everywhere you shop overseas will want to haggle. To learn if a price is fixed, show some interest in an item, but say, “it's just too much money”. You put the merchant in a position to make the first offer and if he comes down even a fraction, haggle away.

2. Buy things unique to the destination
Find out what are the best items to buy in the country you are visiting whether this is something unique or just better value than at home. For instance you can pick up fantastic pashminas in Oman, electrical items in Hong Kong and diamonds and gold jewellery in South Africa much cheaper than the UK. And in many Asian countries you can get tailor made clothes made up within 24hours!

3. Learn what locals pay
Prices can vary drastically among vendors at the same market, and there is also usually a double price standard - one for locals and one for you. Ask an English-speaking local customer for the going rate to get a better indication.

4. Determine the merchant’s lowest price
Many tourists think that if they can cut a price tag by 50 percent, they are doing well. So some merchants just quadruple their prices and the tourist happily pays double the fair value. The best way to deal with price tags is to ignore them. Work the cost down to rock bottom, then walk away. The last price the vendor yells out as you turn the corner is often the best price you'll get. If the price is right, go back and buy.

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