Things You'll Need:
- Dirhams
- Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diner's, or American Express (they all have credit card machines)
- A nice smile
- A good laugh
- A calloused tongue (the tea is HOT)
- Knowledge of how this process really works
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Step 1
The carpet dealers--most likely Berber--have sat you down in their carpet shop--most likely in Fez, Marrakech or Rabat--and you've got no time to waste. First things first, they'll lay carpets out in front of you.
You'll need to point like a good tourist to the ones you like. This gives the sellers an idea of what you're looking for. Pick your top three, and give specific dimensions. At this point you can act non-challant if you'd like--half interested, half bothered. (They'll put on their "show" later.) -
Step 2
Sip your tea carefully, letting it bubble over your lips as you slightly blow on it. Watch the locals, they do it this way too. It enables you to drink lava-hot drinks in style.
Now, choose a carpet or two that you like best. This should take you about seven (7) minutes max. You've got 23 minutes left. No worries. -
Step 3
Sip once again, noticing all the carpets stacked head to toe. Now, let the bargaining, bartering and negotiations begin. You'll ask how much. They'll ask, How much do you want to pay? Let them make the first move.
Now, you're at 11 minutes. You've got over 60 percent of your time to spare still. So, don't rush the transactions. Look at your watch but in a bored fashion. -
Step 4
They carpet seller has made his initial price suggestion. That is what it is. Do not, REPEAT, Do not say OK. The first price is always at least 80-90 percent too much.
Here's how it works: If you came alone, then you might do OK for yourself. If a guide brought you, then he'll also get a cut of the profits. If his friend is there with you, he'll also get a cut of the profits. However, you'll probably get a better price if a guide is bartering on your behalf in the first place. So, coming alone doesn't always mean cheaper prices. -
Step 5
You're now 18 minutes into the sale, 12 to spare. Here's how to make your first move. Take the sum the seller has given you and cut it in half. If he said $$500 USD, then think $250 USD. Now, take 1/3 of that (33%) and this is your starting point. In this case in point, your first said dollar amount will be $80-90 USD. Look at your watch and pretend you have somewhere to be. Laugh out loud but "stick to your guns." Now comes the role play.
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Step 6
Carpet Shop in MoroccoWith only 8 minutes to spare, the carpet seller sets down his tea and acts astonished. He'll maybe even walk out of the room to leave the selling with his assistant (there's always someone else in the room watching). He will act offended, angry, upset and flabbergasted. This is an act as old as time.
The carpet dealer will now cut his initial price in half. In this case, he'll go down to about $250 USD. He will stay there for a while and then ask you to make a move since he did. Remember, you made the first move, so he must now make the first (second) move. Essentially, it's his turn first to come down again. Then, you'll move up with your initial price to meet the seller somewhere in the middle ground. -
Step 7
You've got about 6 minutes to spare. If you were sitting, stand. If you were somewhere, go near the exit. Say a price now that you are willing to pay. Do not go above it ever. Stick to it. For example, if the seller says $200 USD, then you can say $125-150 USD. This is more than fair and legal. Set prices are for the meek.
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Step 8
Now, look at your watch. You have about 3 minutes before it's time to jet. Look him up and down, touch the carpet, say it's so nice, but that you will not pay anything more than $$$ price (your last offer).
He will shrug, look up, look at his friend, be calm for a moment and then say OK. He will pretend to be sad. However, when the money has exchanged hands, he will treat you like his best pal again and wrap the carpet up in string for you. If you buy a bigger carpet, they can ship it for you (you can trust 99% of them to do so if they say they will). It is expensive. -
Step 9
With one minute to go, you shake hands, sip your last drops of mint tea and trot off. They wave, you wave and all is settled and the deal is sealed. You've just bought a Moroccan carpet in 29 minutes for under 66% off the "original" price. Great bartering!
