On my first trip to Mexico on spring break, I haggled with an abuelita over a pair of earrings until I was able to get them for half the price. When I proudly showed them to my sister, she said, “Great, so you ripped off an old lady just so you could get a deal.” That took the luster and shine right off those earrings. While I did think they were overpriced and my haggling justified, I could never fully enjoy those earrings. It was as if bad karma was now connected with them.
On my most recent trip to Todos Santos, Mexico, I felt happy paying the asking price to vendors and artisans, in this beautiful little artists colony, knowing that I was helping to support their hard work, artistry and craftsmanship. The truth is, if you have the money to go on vacation, you probably have the money to pay for what you want to purchase.
But far be it for me to get all judgey because there are also scammers and con artists out there who make their living ripping off unsuspecting tourists. So don’t be one. Why haggle with someone trying to rip you off in the first place? If you suspect they’re grossly overpriced, move on.
Be savvy, comparison shop, if applicable, and chill. Don’t make any impulsive or rushed decisions if you can help it. You may find the same item two stores down for less or you may forget you even wanted it by lunchtime. If I’m still thinking about a cool t-shirt or cute mug I spotted in a marketplace two days or two hours earlier, then I’ll have no problem ponying up the pesos if it’s still there when I go back.
When networking, I’ve heard people say, gauge the temperature of the room and act accordingly. The same could be said for haggling. If you’re in a place where it’s the norm and is expected, then be your own best judge and haggle away!
I’ve been studying Spanish online (but not nearly enough). For anyone who wants to learn, there are sooooo many online resources, but I have found Dr. Danny Evans’ videos to be amongst the best. Known as The Language Tutor, he has his own Youtube Channel and Apple Podcast with extensive Spanish (& French) video lessons.(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_GFwrcNlXh92xA8iKFT2WA) (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-language-tutor-spanish/id1472457954)
In this video, Dr. Danny talks about shopping in Spanish speaking countries and his views on haggling. (14:10).