I prefer learning about bargaining in the markets over learning a new language. Throughout middle and high school, I was never good at learning a new language. I took Spanish for 7 years and after I graduated, I lost all of my ability to understand Spanish. I learn the best when I am interested in a subject and learning a language has never been that for me. Bargaining on the other hand is much more intriguing to me because it’s something that I have never done before. I really want to dive deep into Moroccan culture as much as possible and learning to negotiate is one of the best ways for me to do so. Also, I have a long list of items I wish to purchase in the markets and learning to negotiate properly will make sure that I can get it all at a price I am comfortable with.
Although learning Darija is not my favorite subject to study it is still a necessity when it comes to negotiating. Being a tourist I already stand out from the locals so I know the shop owners will target me and upsell me on items double or triple what they are worth. Therefore, utilizing certain words or phrases can help me standout from other tourists such as an easy greeting of “Assalam Alaikum” or maybe even asking for their name and sharing some information about myself.
Another skill is being able to walk away if the price is not where I want it to be. If I am unsatisfied with what they are offering, then having the ability to walk away is very helpful. This shows to the shop keeper that you might not have too much interest in the item which can cause them to call you back and lower the price.
Lastly, the skill of while negotiating to narrow the price down incrementally and not all at once is vital. Negotiating works the best when the prices drop bit by bit rather than changing all at once.
My experience negotiating in the market was very rewarding. When I entered the shop, I greeted the shopkeeper in Arabic and spent time walking around the store, so it seemed like I was only browsing. Eventually, I found a copper bracelet that caught my attention and asked for the price. He told me it was 180, but I said it was too expensive and continued looking around. Later, I picked up a small Hamsa and asked about that as well. The price was 120, so I put it back down and started to leave the store, again saying the prices were too high. As I walked away, the shopkeeper followed me and offered both items for 220. I countered with 190, he replied with 200, and we made the deal. I was very happy with my items and also the price that I paid for them.