Murano Glass factory

Sounds like a similar experience we had about 10 years ago. We left after the demonstration and then wandered around Murano and then took the regular water taxi back. We enjoyed it and really didn't feel any pressure to buy although later we did purchase some glass in a couple of the shops.

That guy was NOT a city official.

We took a vaporetto to Murano in August. It was packed. Getting there by speed boat doesn’t sound too bad to me!

Someone reported on the forum rather recently that the vaporetto folks never shifted to the more-frequent peak-season schedule this summer, leading to big crowds waiting to board the boats.

A city official, probably from the tourism board, stopped us on the pier. He had all kinds of brochures, name tag and a little kiosk. So, trustworthy. Anyway, offered a speedboat over, and a factory tour and the chance to buy glass at a discount. Ok…

Most definitely not a city official.

A sales pitch pure and simple, been going on - perfectly legally - for decades, in one form or another... They offer the hook of the "free" boat and "free" demonstration. Of course they expect you to buy, and they can make a profit.

No such thing as a free lunch in this world.

I remember discussion of such tactics in one guidebook or the other decades ago (my memories fade as to which tourbook but I expect Rick Steves).

My objections were

1. Told we could buy at the factory discount. Once we got there, there was no mention of a discount, even though we looked at a lot of things and the guide and a gift shop employee were with us the whole time. Like I said, several times higher priced than everywhere else on and off the island.

   1. The tour guide asking for a tip. The boat driver or the glass blower, I could see, but this was very uncomfortable.

Why did you tip him if you did not want to? And why should have you tipped anyone else? He asked only because tons of other Americans have tipped before you when nobody asked, but in Italy the workers' salary is not a customer's problem.

What makes You think that the same things from the same factory wouldn't cost much more in a city shop? You were offered a factory discount, real handmade Murano Glass is obviously more expensive than the tourist's trinkets they sell in Venice.

Sorry, but that guy wasn't working for the city. Why should the city pay some guy so that tourists do not use the public water buses? They offer a free ride and hope that you'll buy something. Buying or not depends only on you. Just say no.

The guy on the pier in Venice represented himself as someone in an official capacity trying to get people to Murano after Covid. We told him we had vaparetto passes, and mom with her cane did not want to navigate a speed boat. It was a bit pushy, but we were up for adventure and went on to the boat.

Tipping? It was intimidating to be asked for a tip in front of others, and was a total surprise. This trip a cabbie and a waiter each asked how much tip they should put on my card. I was beginning to wonder if I was supposed to hand everyone money up front.

I didn’t seek out a tour, and “free” was said over and over. Free boat, free demo, free tour, and Discounts! The “tour guide” basically lead us to the demo. Then led us to the chandeliers, then led us to the gift shop. No history of anything, just herded.

Anyway, there were at least 2 other sales people standing close by. It was physically intimidating. So yes, 2 Grey haired women, one with a cane… I have no clue why we were “invited.”

And as stated, no discounts offered. And the factory was outrageously priced. The same exact pendants were at the stores outside the shop for much less. We had a pleasant ride back sitting outside on the water taxi without indebting ourselves further.

Just a cautionary tale.

I guess after not having tourists and an income for awhile, people are getting pushy and nervy about wanting a tip and saying so. I can understand how you felt intimidated. We just have to learn how to be nervy back and ignore the requests. My husband has no problem with this and I usually don’t have any cash on me.