Tips for Haggling Like a Champ

Haggling - it's part of the adventure in many countries. From taxi rides to souvineirs and even your bed for the night, there's a good chance you may have to talk your way into a fair price.

So, before you lose your shirt or worse, your cool, check out my tips for haggling like a champ:

1. Be nice! A positive attitude and a smile will help your cause, big time. Have a little fun with it and remember, it's NOT an argument so don't be an ass.
2. Get in the know. If you haven't a clue what it costs to get from the city centre to the airport, you'll likely pay more than you should (meters aren't popular). So, ask around, read that Lonely Planet taking up space in your bag, check out the webbernet... educate yourself on what things cost!
3. If it's an option, look for a guy or gal who seems like a good sport. Go with your gut - do they seem like a person that will meet you halfway or are they more likely to leave you curled up in the fetal position, crying for your mammy?  
4. Set a price in your head - "I want to pay this much and only this much". 
• If you reach a price you can live with, BUY IT. Don't walk away because you might get it for a buck cheaper somewhere else. This is a no-no in the haggling world - you have wasted their time and a curse will be placed upon you.
• If you can't get your price, no worries, move on (this alone may help you get your price). On the flip side - don't expect something for nothing. 

 A few hard facts

• You will, at some point, get ripped-off. Don't piss and moan. Learn from it.
• You are a tourist so don't expect to pay "local" prices. 
• Whatever it is you want to buy, "they" want to sell it to you for as much as possible. You want to pay a good price for it as little as possible. One, prefferably both of you, will have to compromise. 

Now get out there and buy some carpets! Happy haggling.

If you've got some mind blowing haggling tips and / or stories, let me know!