Exploring the vibrant souks of Marrakech is a fantastic part of any trip, and lets you immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and heritage.
However, for many visitors, haggling can be a daunting prospect. Particularly for the British amongst us, it can feel like the height of rudeness and a thoroughly cringe-inducing experience to question the price of someone’s wares!
However, it’s no secret that prices offered for goods in the souk often come with a hefty markup. Understanding and playing within the unwritten rules of negotiation will make the purchasing experience incredibly enjoyable, and especially rewarding when you land a bargain.
While haggling seems daunting at first, there is a fine art to it.
We’ve spent years learning just how much you should be aiming to reduce a price – so read on to help prepare your best bartering skills!
For items priced above £10, it is customary to aim for around a third of the initial asking price as the final agreement. This is done by starting negotiations from a lower price and gradually working – you, increasing price and the vendor decreasing price – towards a mutually accepted figure.
While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable with this practice, it’s widely expected among both traders and customers. Persistence is key, particularly for items where reaching a sensible price may require some effort.
For goods priced below £10, settling at roughly half of the initial asking price is reasonable. This ensures a fair deal for both you and the vendor.
It’s crucial to remember that successful negotiation is about reaching a mutually satisfying outcome, where both parties feel content with the arrangement – so once you’ve decided a price you’re mentally willing to pay, flash a big grin – because chances are your lovely Souk vendor is going to meet you halfway!
Reassuringly, the traders in Marrakech’s souks are also known for their politeness, warmth, and lack of pushiness.
Over the years, they have honed their skills in dealing with tourists, making interactions pleasant and hassle-free. A simple smile and a polite “No, thanks” are usually sufficient to decline an offer, and traders typically respect this response without further persistence. Humour can also be a powerful negotiating tool, as everyone appreciates a good laugh or joke.
Haggling still not for you?
Don’t worry. You’re not going to miss out.
For visitors who prefer a less daunting shopping experience or are short on time, there’s the option of visiting The Ensemble Artisanal.
This building houses numerous shops and a selection of manufacturing workshops, offering goods at fixed prices that are generally lower than the initial prices encountered in the souk. Here, visitors can find quality goods and artefacts at reasonable prices, providing a convenient alternative to the bustling souk atmosphere – so if you’re nervous, start here and perhaps take a trip to the souk once you’ve eased into the swing of being in Morocco!
