Local markets are excellent places to practice your bargaining moxy

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Bargaining is like a western line dance. It requires energy, timing, and a good sense of humor. No one would show up at the Luckenbach County dance hall without knowing at least a few steps. Nor should any traveler venture overseas without knowing the basics of good bargaining technique.

In the great majority of countries on this planet, little merchandise and few services have a fixed price. Every merchant seeks the highest price he or she can get in a given situation. For unwary travelers, that can be a high price indeed.

What Is It Worth?

The next step is tricky. I think about how much the item, let's say it's an alpaca sweater, is worth to me. Do I need that sweater right now for warmth as I start a trek in the Andes? Do its colors and Inca insignia knock me out? Is it the perfect souvenir? Or is it just a passing whim?

More than anything else, the strength of my desire to own the thing will set the price I'm willing to pay. I need to be aware of that desire and conceal it from the shopkeeper.

Move on to Observe the Tactics of Locals

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