Great Souvenirs...Cheap

We don't often get a chance to put our negotiating skills into practice at home. However, haggling is a way of life in many countries all around the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. It's part of the cultural experience of travel, especially when there are unique items like jewelry, traditional clothing and crafts to bring home. Some countries such as Morocco, Egypt and Thailand are particularly well-known for their markets.

The haggling process can be very different in foreign countries than it is at home. A little know-how can help you get a good deal and avoid any mis communications.

1. Know where to start: At first, the process may seem counter-intuitive to how we conduct business. We're used to salespeople greeting us when we walk into a store, but in this case eye contact is considered an invitation to discuss price. Avoid contact with the vendor until you find an item you want to buy.

Remember that the price you are first quoted or see on a price tag is only a place to start. According to various sources, vendors may quote a price that is three or four times higher than their selling point. It is customary to look shocked, and begin to negotiate from there. Depending on the country, you should never end up paying more than half of the original price.

Note: Essential items usually have fixed prices.

2. Serious inquiries only: All of the advice agrees -- Only haggle for items you genuinely want to buy. Vendors will feel disrespected by people who waste their time. If you are not interested, or change your mind before a price is settled, simply say "no thank you" and leave. Don't try to explain or apologize – vendors who aren't fluent English speakers might think you are mocking them.

Be aware and be honest: Quote only what you are willing to pay. Once you make a counteroffer, you are committed to that price if the vendor agrees.

3. Shop around: Comparison shopping is always a good idea, especially when you don't know what the market value is for an item. Look for similar objects in other places and compare the prices. This will provide you with an idea of what an item is worth and give you some leverage to talk down a price.

Quick tip: Knowing some key phrases in the local language can be a real boon.

4. Know what you're buying: Many commercial travel websites warn that you should check the value and authenticity of items to prevent being cheated with counterfeit goods – especially if you are buying gold, jewelry or "designer" items.

However, being tricked is only one concern: Some items could get you into trouble at the border. Avoid items that exploit the environment and endangered species, or may be illegal to transport. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has Advice for Travelers on prohibited and restricted items. When in doubt, contact your embassy.

5. Do a little research before you go: Find out what unusual or original items you can find in that country. Look for items that are unique or unusual in some way. Plan your budget and leave room in your suitcase.

Also, make sure you understand any local health concerns before you purchase food. You should look at the travel advice for your destinations for health advice before you leave.

There are numerous websites that provide detailed information on how to haggle, and most of them provide the same advice. Bookmark a couple of good sites and review them before you leave for your trip. Travel blogs are full of interesting stories from people eager to tell how they got a great deal and what unusual items they purchased.

Worth a look: How to haggle on WikiTravel has a comprehensive list of techniques.

6. Be fair in your dealings: Both the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for Sustainable Tourism and the UK Directgov's Country Travel Advice warn travellers to be culturally aware and not to haggle too aggressively. What might seem like a small discount to you could be a significant part of someone else's income. Shopping at markets and purchasing local arts and crafts helps to support the local economy and aids in many countries' development.

Remember, your end goal is to negotiate a deal where everyone wins: You get a great deal on an interesting or unique item and the shopkeeper earns.