A few simple tips that should help you get the best prices for whatever you buy in Turkey.... within reason!

Bargaining or haggling is a tradition in Turkey as in many other countries.

Shoppers in Europe and America bargain over price when they buy cars, houses and other expensive items.

In Turkey, bargaining is extended to include many less valuable items, especially unique handmade goods such as carpets, crafts, artwork and antiques, items which do not have standardized markets. You can, and should also bargain for hotels rooms in many cases.

Many people find bargaining tedious and distasteful. Get over it!
Pazarlik (bargaining)can be relatively pleasant when done properly.

1. Know the Market

Browse, examine goods and ask prices in several shops to get a sense
of the market before bargaining.

2. Don't show enthusiasm for the item you want.

A poker face pays off, believe me. Look at several items.

Don't ask prices for a while, but when you do, ask the prices of several items, whether you're interested in them or not.

Act as though the piece you really, really want is only so-so, not a big deal.

3. Decide what you think a piece is worth to you.

Many people get distressed to find that someone else has bought a
similar item for less. Don't worry about it!

Sometimes you'll be the one getting the best price. If you decide what
an item is worth to you and pay no more than that, how can you go
wrong? By definition, you've received value for your money. People who
play the "I-got-it-cheaper" game need to get a life.

4. Let the shopkeeper quote the first price

If a shopkeeper asks "What will you pay?" you should ask again "What's the price?" The shopkeeper's price will be higher than what they expects you to pay.

There's no fixed formula for making your counter offer.

It should be substantially less than you expect or want to pay, a half or even a quarter of the shopkeeper's price (depending on how inflated that is). If your counter offer is way too low, however, the shopkeeper will know he's dealing with someone who doesn't know the market (see Rule No. 1, above).

It's always easier to get a lower price if you buy several items, just like anywhere in the world.

6. Don't be arrogant and haggle over pennies.

If you're close to agreement on price, don't let a few pennies get in the way of your satisfaction.

7. Don't be afraid to walk away...(and perhaps come back)

Funny how you always seem to get the best price on an item if you can convince yourself that you really don't need it. If you really can't bring yourself to pay the shopkeeper's final price, thank him or her and walk out of the shop.

Seeing a potential sale walking away, the shopkeeper may meet your price (or at least offer a further discount).

If not, then you've learned that the shopkeeper's price is firm, and you can return in an hour or a day and buy the item at that price, or you can look for it elsewhere, knowing the market better.

8. Never, Never feel obligated to buy unless you've agreed on a price.

Shopping is a social custom in Turkey. You will be offered tea, coffee or soft drinks, and perhaps cigarettes, snacks, perhaps even a meal.

The shopkeeper may wait on you for a considerable time, showing you dozens of items and explaining their qualities. Even so, you are not obligated to buy anything at all!

Distrust any shopkeeper who tries to burden you with the feeling that you should buy because they have spent a lot of time with you.

Leave the shop and don't go back. You have no obligation whatsoever!

9. Assume that any price agreed upon is for cash.

Banks charge anywhere from 2% to 6% to clear a credit card transaction. Unless you have discussed the payment method, any price arrived at is presumed to be payable in cash.

The shopkeeper may charge you the credit card fee, or a fee for changing travellers cheques.

You should check to see if you can pay in any method other than YTL cash, and what requirements there might be. If you pay in US dollars, Euros or another strong currency, you may even get a discount.

10. Take your purchases with you if possible.

Many shops will ship your purchase home for you reliably, a few may not. There have been instances in which someone has purchased an expensive carpet but had a cheap similar carpet arrive at their home.

In a few cases, the purchase is never shipped, or is "lost in shipment." If you must have the shop ship your purchase, find out as much as possible about the shipping process, and try to confirm all aspects of it.

Above all have fun and shop wisely!

Merv!