The tradition of haggling
Can you imagine buying without haggling in Morocco?
It’s virtually impossible. Moroccans discuss prices, not necessarily endlessly, but at least once, ask for a discount, find a good reason to pay a little less.
It’s normal, as normal as it is here, not to argue with a posted price. It’s true that many tourists don’t feel comfortable playing this game. Rather than haggling bitterly, halving the price offered, going back up, etc., it’s a matter of time and discussion.
Take the time to talk to the merchant, appreciate his merchandise without showing too much interest, compare with what you’ve seen elsewhere. Show that you know a bit about prices. Don’t tell yourself that it’s really cheap compared to Europe or the US… The game starts when you ask how much it costs. “A good price, for you“… and he’ll do everything he can to get you to tell him how much you’re prepared to pay for the piece.
Visiting the souks can be nerve-wracking, with everyone trying to lure you into their shop, and not letting you leave until you’ve bought something. “Eye candy” and salesmanship.
It’s up to you to decide how much time you want to spend there, and really enjoy the moment. If you want to buy without haggling, you can do so in artisanal cooperatives and shops that display “fixed prices”. You won’t usually get a bad deal there, but you won’t find the bargain of the century either.
If you want to buy in the souk, go a little further inland, out of the first “touristy” alleys. There you’ll find shops that are just as well-stocked, but less overwhelmed by Western shoppers. If you’re lucky, you’ll make it as far as the wholesalers’ shops, which also sell by the piece. And if your guide offers to take you somewhere, he’ll probably get his commission from the shop if you buy. It’s up to you to make him understand that he’ll earn more with a good tip, if you’re satisfied with your day, than with this commission. Then he’ll stand up for you!
And if you want to take on the rug merchants, here are a few tips for estimating their value.
Legal restrictions
As in all countries, prior authorisation is required for the export of works of art, antiques or other special treasures (such as fossils). Similarly, some animal species are protected. Don’t bring back turtles or gecko, firstly because these animals are unlikely to survive, and secondly because this would encourage a trade that is gradually destroying these species.
For your purchases, you will have to go through customs to reclaim VAT. Your seller is no doubt familiar with these formalities and can prepare all the paperwork for you.
(This post was first published in 2005, on the now defunct Oasis de Mezgarne website)
A Korean woman who speaks Darija to haggle
You don’t need to be an expert in darija to be able to haggle.
Naelle Song proves it in this video, in which she explains how she speaks (or doesn’t speak) Moroccan, and just how useful it is in getting prices down!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80JB2KOY8Pk
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