Covent Garden Market ...bargain or fix price?

You would generally pay the asking price in the UK, if you want multiple things, they might do you a deal, but probably not... but, it never hurts to ask, you might get 10% off or something thrown in for free, but don't bank on it. The tourist hot spots aren't really short of trade.

Pointing out that you could buy it somewhere else cheaper on cheaper online is usually met with... Well buy it there then.

However, if you're a skilled negotiator, you never know what deal you might get, especially on expensive items or things with a subjective value, like art.

The UK is not generally a haggling country.

In the tourist shops you will likely be laughed out of the store if you say something is too expensive.

My recollection of Covent Garden Market is more that of a Shopping Mall rather than true market, so haggling generally would not be done...price listed is price paid.

You might head to the Camden Market and the markets adjoining it, there it will be more the independent dealers and the opportunity to bargain a bit, especially as others mentioned, if you buy several items.

Yeah Convent Garden is mostly a shopping mall these days, with a lot chain stores. I don't think Shake Shack or the Apple store will engage in any sort of haggling:)Having said that there is a bit of a market element to the complex on certain days with a different themes: gourmet foods, jewelry, arts & crafts. Unless you are going to be buying mass quantities don't expect any sort of discount. If you are looking for something a bit less multi-national Spitafields and Brick Lane are a better choice.

Hi Mike J
Thanks so much for the info. really2 appreciate it. honestly, i'm a bad negotiator hence always ask the rule of thumb of percentage for that particular market. some markets i found could increase the price by 50% and that's what i'd like to avoid :)

Hi Nigel and emma,
this is exactly why i ask the question. i don't want to offend the sellers and local custom BUT i don't want to pay for an overpriced item either. if i know that it's not customary to bargain in that place, i'd rather walk away if i found things that i want is expensive for me.

Hi Paul & Michael Schneider
Since you guys brought it up, i had a peek through gmaps of what's the inside of the market looks like. it's very surprising that actually the market does only occupy very small portion of the venue. even there're high end boutiques next to the market itself. well i don't mind since i'd go there for the vibe as well :)

Covent Garden Market is definitely a shopping mall so don't haggle the prices.

Camden Market is a different story. Maybe not at every stall but I've had success with buying some items with a bit of haggling.