Get your bargain on: 5 easy steps

Whether it’s Green Market Square in Cape Town, the Bazaar Marzouk in Marrakech or Silk Street in Beijing, many countries and cultures expect you to bargain. Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy some tribal masks, stuffed camels and beautiful porcelain, so make sure to get your money’s worth when you head out to shop.

Here are six tips for keeping on budget and getting a good deal:

1. Be friendly!

It’ll help build a relationship with the seller, making them more inclined to WANT to give you a bargain. Smile, shake hands, “play the game”.

2. Try to learn some basic numbers in the local language

It will only foster this growing relationship and earn their respect.

3. Shock them

If they ask for 50 dollars for a mini shisha, tell them that you’ll only pay five. This may seem absurd, but if you play your cards right, you will be able to figure out how low they’re willing to go.

4. Never pay more than 75% of their asking price, no matter what

They’ll eventually chase you down – and that’s a good thing.

5. The more you buy, the bigger the discount

But bargain every item. No exceptions.

If you end up paying only 5-10% less of what they started with, then ask for a freebie – after all, you helped their sales day! And as with anything, practice makes perfect. So if you don’t get it right the first time, have no fear, there are plenty of other salesmen looking for you to buy. Happy bargain hunting!