price wrangling at markets in Florence

The outdoor markets, I never paid what the listed price was. Sometimes I didn't even have to ask for a cheaper price; they automatically told me a lesser price.
Most speak English, so you shouldn't have a problem. I learned a fair amount of Italian before I left and I tried to speak Italian while I was there, so I really don't know the ratio of English speaking vs Non English speaking vendors. I assume in that instance, most spoke English.
But just in case:
"I don't speak Italian; do you speak English?" = "Non parlo italian; parla inglese? (nohn PAR-loh ee-tahl-ee-AHN-no; PAR-lah een-GLEH-seh?)
"How much for this?" = "Quanto per questo?" (KWAN-toh pehr KWEST-oh)
If you want to see if they'll take less for the item:
"Do you accept (however much)?" = "Acceta (however much)?" (ah-CHET-ah [however much; might bring a piece of paper with numbers and translations on it])
"Do you accept credit cards?" = "Acceta carta di credito?" (ah-CHET-ah CART-ah dee CRE-dee-toh?)
"is there a discount if I pay in cash?" = "C'è uno sconto si pago in contanti?" (CHEH OO-no SCON-toh see PAH-go een kohn-TAHN-tee)

A purse tagged at 80 euro was had for 35 at the San Lorenzo market. Know what you are willing to pay going in to negotiations and if the price isn't matched simply walk away.

Thank you Robyn and Becca. That is just the information I was looking for. I am also learning as many Italian phrases as I can so will take careful note of the ones you gave me and will make good use of them. Ciao !

Dianne,

Along the tourist streets they all speak English (as much as they desire :-)) You can almost always pay less... I've noticed artists in particular are more flexible if you are buying more than one piece.

Two things.. don't fall in love with one thing and walk away (even if you end up returning later to buy)

Have fun!

-Chris