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The game of negotiation in the souks in 7 lessons

Written on : 08 October 2019
By : Melchior Burin des Roziers
The game of negotiation in the souks in 7 lessons

When you go to Marrakech, sooner or later you will likely enter the souks. It's a must, otherwise, it would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. But as soon as you enter one of them, you will probably want to buy souvenirs in front of so many craft treasures gathered before your eyes. But you must be armed to do good business and avoid scams! Negotiation being a national sport in Morocco, we offer you some unstoppable techniques to win this little game and get some shopping done at the best prices.

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1 - Ask in advance about prices

1 - Ask in advance about prices

To get off to a good start, if you know more or less what you want to buy, find out about the prices beforehand. This will prevent you from being confused when negotiating with the seller. Don't stop at the first shop you meet, start by taking a look around and take note of the prices to get an idea. Ideally, you should seek the advice of your local friends. 

It is also important to know that it is better to negotiate at the beginning or end of the day. The first sale in the early morning is a very good omen for Muslim traders, which encourages them to be generous. By the way, posted prices are generally not negotiable, as are food products. Avoid negotiating trinkets for a few dirhams, it's rather frowned upon.

Finally, never rely on any of the reels/fake guides you will meet along the way. They are paid a commission every time they manage to get you to buy in a shop. If you trust them, you will lose every time because you will pay more for your item.

2 - Never announce a price first

2 - Never announce a price first

To avoid shooting yourself in the foot at the beginning of the negotiation, always let the seller formulate the first price, or even the second price. In general, the seller will not be long in informing you of his price. You can always ask him the question but avoid the "How much does it cost?" and instead say "How much would you suggest?". From there, pay attention to the announced price, you can start negotiating.

3 - Never increase your price

3 - Never increase your price

The price you will be told is usually at least twice as high as its actual value. Once you have estimated the value of the object in your head, stick to that amount and do not exceed it. If you start playing the seller's game, you won't get away with it! The merchant can tell you that he is making a considerable effort or that his family will no longer have anything to eat... don't fall apart and tell yourself that he will never sell his product at a loss! However, do not engage in unnecessary negotiation if you do not really intend to buy the product.

4 - Good mood and courtesy

4 - Good mood and courtesy

One essential element: your attitude! Negotiating is an integral part of Moroccan culture and to understand this art, it is more than essential to be relaxed and open to conversation. Relax and take your time and show your sympathy to the seller by exchanging a few words with him. You will probably have to talk about things that are completely different from the object of the sale: your visits, the family, the weather. Take the opportunity to stand out from other tourists by saying a few polite words and a few figures in Moroccan Darija: this small effort is always appreciated by traders and makes it possible to negotiate under good conditions. In addition, you will show that you are not totally alien to the local culture, which can work in your favour.

5 - A little comedy

5 - A little comedy

Like poker, you have to know how to bluff a little and control your emotions. Thanks to your (potentially newly acquired) acting skills, pretend you're not really interested in the product you're looking for and take a look at the other products in the store. This does not prevent you from showing a little humour or complimenting the seller on his shop, but avoid at all costs to be overwhelmed by the desired item. Use terms from other vendors, ask a little more technical questions about the types of materials used to suggest that you are a little knowledgeable, but do it in a sober way.

When the seller has told you his price, smile slightly and show him right away that this is not the first time you have come, that you know the real price. When accompanying your reaction, state your price and stick to it! Naturally, the merchant will try to play the astonishment card, but that's not a problem. Be very kind before you start the next step...

6 - The false start technique

6 - The false start technique

If the merchant has not gone down to the price you hoped for, thank him kindly for his welcome and tell him that you are not ready to buy his item at the price he offers you. Then leave the shop quietly, keeping your "poker face" and without showing your disappointment. Generally, after a few meters, the seller will call you back to lower his price and close his deal with you. He will probably try one last time to sell you his item at a higher price than yours. In the face of your ultimate refusal, he will most likely award you the item at a price four times cheaper than the original price. However, you don't win at souks every time! But if the seller does not catch up with you, then his last price was probably the right price and you can come back the next day or in the afternoon to buy your treasure at the agreed price.

7 - Group purchases

7 - Group purchases

Much appreciated by sellers, the fact of grouping your products with your friends or with other tourists with whom you agree, it allows you to benefit from more advantageous rates comparable to a "wholesale price”. It is not impossible that you will find the merchant offering small gifts in these situations.

>>> Discover Marrakech with the family

Here you are, ready to start your adventure in the souks of Marrakech! Don't forget that this is a game with the traders, don't feel obliged to give in to all the solicitations of the sellers who try to make you feel comfortable and tell you that the most important thing is to enjoy your visit and discover Moroccan craftsmanship!

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