Traveling to the North African Kingdom of Morocco is an incredible travel experience of colorful souks (markets), an mélange of French, Berber, African and Arab culture, historic cities, magnificent palaces, and breathtaking landscapes from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains. I have many fond recollections of this exotic country - the labyrinthine maze of streets, the taste of hot mint tea, the tang of chicken tagine, the ornate palaces, and the stately mosques.
What made the most enduring impression on me was learning the art of haggling in the souks. Entering a souk or medina, especially in Marrakech for the first time is like traveling back in time. You are surrounded by vendors selling donkeys, goats, sheep, and horses. And let's no forget the snake charmers, mountains of spices, glittering brass, handmade rugs in every color imaginable, tempting trinkets, leather goods, sparkling jewelry, and just about everything the heart could desire. Of course, being Morocco, there are no prices on anything because bargaining is an art form here. Most of us have never haggled in our lives and may find it embarrassing. Just remember that bargaining is a cultural dance here and people are expected to have some fun doing it.
Visit Fixed Price Stores
My first stop before heading into the souk was to visit a price fixed store like Ensemble Artisanal, a state owned store with fixed prices. The products offered here are the same wares you will find in the souk. The fixed prices will give you an idea of what items are worth.
Everything Is Negotiable
Other than price fixed government stores, just about everything in Morocco is negotiable from rug sellers and taxi drivers, to guides. Never ever pay the first price offered.
Quality Counts
Markets, especially in Marrakesh can be overwhelming with the sheer number of products that are offered. Morocco has a mix of quality in its artisanal goods like rugs, jewelry, and ceramics, so it is best to shop around. As a good rule of thumb compare the cost of the items that you are interested in to your own currency to assess whether it is worth haggling for.
Don’t Act too Interested
Part of this game is to act disinterested in the item you have your eye on. Sometimes for fun, I chose the item next to the one I am really interested in. If the seller thinks that you really want an item, he or she will take advantage of this driving up the price.
It Is Ok to Walk Away
If the seller offers you a price for an item that you have your eye on and you counter it with a lower price point and the seller doesn’t accept it, it is ok to walk away and continue to browse in other shops. I found that leaving a shop and coming back a few hours later or the next day helped to move negotiations along.
Take Your Time & Smile
Because haggling is a game, it is important to take your time by exchanging pleasantries especially if you are purchasing an expensive item like antiques or rugs. Moroccans are friendly people and very hospitable. They enjoy small talk and learning about your family. Make sure you have enough time to negotiate, sip mint tea, and chat while bargaining.
Buying in Bulk
If you find a shop that offers a good selection of different items that you are interested in buying, bargaining for the entire group will be worth your while. The haggling will become about the number of items and while the price increases, the per item price will decrease.
Carry Cash
Most transactions in the souk are in cash except for large expensive items. Remember not to flash your cash around before you strike a deal! It is a good rule of thumb to carry small denominations. Paying cash also gives you an advantage when closing the deal as opposed to paying with a credit card. After a three day long negotiation, I finally purchased a group of pottery and the vendor closed his shop and went to the bank to deposit the cash!
Go Early
To get the best deals, visit the souk early in the morning because shop owners never want to miss out on the first sale of the day as they consider that to be good luck!
Closing the Deal
When the seller gives you a price, quarter it. Expect the seller to laugh at you – this is the signal when bargaining begins. The price to pay is a third to half of the initial price. When you reach an agreement that you think is fair, never back down and try to resume negotiations. That is insulting! Moroccan sales people have a good sense of customer service and will wrap up your items securely and offer shipping solutions for large items.
The souks of Morocco are a shopper’s paradise to bargain for one- of- a- kind artisanal goods. Merchants expect travelers to negotiate prices. Knowing this and armed with the tips listed above, patience, and a sense of humor, shopping in the souks will become a cherished memory.
