Haggling respectfully in markets and souks, and when not to

Bargaining can be a friendly social exchange in a souk and quite out of place in a pharmacy. Done well, it is polite, informed and generous; done badly, it can embarrass you and be unfair to the person selling.

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Where bargaining is normal, and where it is not

• Gulf News notes that haggling is widely practised in souqs, open-air markets and bazaars in the UAE.
• At malls, Gulf News says the main way to save big is to shop during sales, though it is sometimes worth politely asking staff whether there is a better price. Online bookings for flights and hotels generally cannot be negotiated.
• Norms differ between countries, cities, types of shop and even individual sellers. When travelling, watch what others do, or simply ask: 'Is the price fixed, or is there some flexibility?'
• PON's preparation checklist includes thinking about cultural differences. That means learning local customs, not assuming anything about a seller from their nationality, accent or appearance.
• Treat every seller as an individual professional who knows their products better than you do.

Before you start

• Know roughly what things cost. Gulf News advises comparing designs and offers across several shops, and notes that walking away can lead to a better deal.
• Decide your maximum price before you begin. Your BATNA is often simply the next stall or shop.
• Gulf News notes that paying cash may take a little more off, and that buying several items improves your position.
• Ask yourself honestly whether you actually want the item. Haggling for something you will not buy wastes the seller's time.

Gold: what is and is not negotiable

• Gulf News explains that the gold price per gram follows the international market rate, is shown on digital boards and is fixed across the UAE.
• What can be negotiated is the making charge, which covers design and labour. Gulf News says shoppers often aim for 20 to 30 per cent off it, and that complex pieces carry higher making charges.
• Gulf News suggests checking the day's per-gram rate before entering a shop and opening with a making-charge figure about 25 per cent lower, leaving room to meet in the middle.
• Insist on an invoice showing purity, weight and charges, plus a certificate of authenticity (Gulf News).

How to haggle with good manners

• Greet the seller, show genuine interest and ask about the item before talking price.
• Ask politely: 'What is your best price?' Then make a counter-offer you can justify, rather than an insulting one. PON reports that very ambitious opening offers increase the risk of no deal and leave the other side less satisfied.
• Stay calm, polite and friendly. Gulf News describes souk haggling as a social exchange.
• Use a short pause after hearing a price, as PON suggests, instead of instantly arguing.
• Script: 'It's beautiful. I've seen similar ones at around 150 dirhams. Could you do 140 if I take two?'
• Once you agree a price, pay it. Backing out after a deal is reached is discourteous.

When not to haggle

• Online bookings for flights, hotels and holidays generally cannot be negotiated (Gulf News). Where prices are clearly fixed, such as most supermarkets and pharmacies, pushing for a discount is usually out of place.
• Gulf News advises not chasing tiny savings and focusing on meaningful discounts.
• Think about fairness. A few dirhams may matter far more to a small stallholder than to you. You may decide not to push hard with small traders at all.
• Do not invent stories, such as a fake cheaper price next door, to win a discount. PON reports research showing that pressure and high stakes tempt people to deceive; decide in advance that you will not.
• Only walk away if you genuinely mean it, and do so with thanks: 'Thank you for your time, I'll think about it.'