Thai markets - bargaining

Travelling to Thailand and want to explore their markets? Here are my tips for you to get the best deal possible for your souvenirs to bring home!

Thailands markets are quite different compared to other markets from more developed countries across the globe. Merchants at these stores rely heavily on tourists purchasing their goods as cheap souvenirs from their trip, meaning you are free to bargain for a better price with them. Some sellers will easily drop their prices, while others may need some convincing. Here are my tips for bargaining:

1) Be polite

Many people forget their manners as they grapple for a bargain on a product. Please keep in mind that these are people trying to provide for them and their families as you are reducing the Baht you are giving them.

2) Change your tactic depending on the type of market you visit

If your market is open once a week and is small, the sellers will be eager to sell you something, for any price. If the market you are visiting is larger and is open more than one or two nights a week, they will not be as eager to sell their products to every person who passes their store. Keep this in mind as you bargain.

3) Start with a big drop

After asking the price, starting your bargaining by decreasing the price by at least 50%. Depending on the price and person, there are multiple reactions you may experience.

If the merchant says no, walk away. They will call after you and you can begin bargaining. If they don't - you can find a cheaper option somewhere else.

If the merchant is clearly reluctant, increase the price by a small amount. Increase the amount after they have time to think about it each time. Eventually they will agree or you can try the tactic above.

If they agree - take the price, you're lucky! Be careful if you try to decrease the price more as they can get aggressive and angry that you keep on decreasing the price.

Have fun and safe travels!

Remember: travel, relax, repeat xx