Is there places where it is not appropriate to negotiate?? Is it OK/expected at street/flea/food markets, but not chain type stores(Prada)??
Does this vary by region??
What are the "expectations" from the vendors/store owners in Italy??
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
But given the current world economy, some experts are saying you should give it a shot even in retail stores. If you phrase it more as an apologetic "Oh, I couldn't possibly pay more than ___", smile and start to walk away, who knows? It might work.
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
The usual simple rule is that if something has a price tag on it, it is non-negotiable.
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
stores, no. markets, yes.
Posted by
Vicenza, Italy
319 posts
Stores no. At outdoor markets you could bargin over clothes, scarves, and nicknacks, but don't bargin with people selling food.
Honestly the only people I've seen haggle over a price at a market are American Tourists. Mostly because locals just won't buy something if it is overpriced.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Last summer my 12 yr old wanted to buy a parasol( it was seriously hot, and we are both blue eyed blondes, we melt ) outside St Peters Square.
The first street vendor wanted 10 euros. My dd was buying it herself with her own money, but I said, "no honey, thats too much" and we started to walk away. We were not bartering,, it never occurred to me that they do this.. so I was surprised when the lady called out "8 euros" so we stopped, and then a different lady jumps in front of us and says "5 euros" . We bought the 5 euro one.
I personally do not like bartering, I always feel mean, but, they were offering the lower prices so we did snap it up. I would not do it in a store.
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
This has happened to me too...saw a scarf in our local market I wanted and asked how much it was...I think it was 8 euro or so...I only had small change on me (was just walking through - had not planned on shopping!) so said "sorry...it's lovely but I have little money with me" vendor said "how much do you have?"...I said 4 euro. He said "ok. 4 euro." :-) I have, BTW seen locals bargain at our market for housewares and clothes - could be regional though - our town is in the South.