It is very difficult for me to rationalize haggling; it feels like a cheapskate way to evade paying the seller what he or she is due. However, many vendors purposefully inflate their prices so that they can offer a special “discount” just for you, or at least still make a profit off the lower price on which you settle. Therefore, it is important to remember that, especially in flea markets, sellers expect you to haggle with them. Do not be afraid to negotiate with the vendor, because otherwise you will pay much more than the item is worth.
But how does one haggle? There are many techniques, so I will only go over the simplest ones. First, pick a price lower than the one you want to pay; this way you leave room for bargaining. When the seller counters your offer, you both move closer to the price you are hoping to get. In this way you are most likely to pay what you think the item is worth to you.
Another helpful technique is appearing uncertain- if the seller thinks that you are on the fence, they might lower their price a bit more for you. But beware of taking up too much of the seller’s time, because they may give up on you in frustration if they don’t think you are ever going to make a decision.
Last (and this is the one I have trouble with), remain firm in your position. If you don’t want to pay more than a certain price, don’t let the seller pressure you into paying it. If you have to, walk away- the vendor might lower their price for you at the last second if they see a potential sale leaving.
So where does one do all this haggling? Like I said, flea markets and tourist shops are the main locations for haggling. Tourist shops are all over the city, but flea markets can be a bit harder to find. Two of my favorites are at the Borghetto Flaminio and Porta Portese. Borghetto Flaminio is located on Via Flaminio, a few blocks from Piazza del Popolo. Porta Portese, the largest flea market in Rome, extends from Via Portuense to Via Ippolito Nievo. Both markets are only open on Sundays, so make sure you get there early!
See here for more haggling tips!
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