Master the art of haggling in the souks of Marrakech
Marrakech, a city that pulsates with life, colour, and the incessant hum of bargaining voices, offers an immersive shopping experience unlike any other. Be prepared to come back home with rugs, carpets, bowls, tagines and all sorts of amazingly priced home decor from your trip.
Our favourite market shops were on the road just south of the Jemaa el-Fnaa called Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid.
The souks of Marrakech are not just markets; they are a labyrinthine network of culture, tradition, and the art of negotiation. If you're planning to dive into this vibrant marketplace, understanding the nuanced dance of haggling is essential. Here's how to do it with finesse, respect, and a sense of adventure.
In summary:
Offer to pay around 20% of what the merchant initially asks for
Go through the motions
Settle at around 30%
Embrace the Culture of Haggling
First and foremost, you need to recognise that haggling is not just accepted in Marrakech; it's expected.
This age-old tradition is an integral part of the shopping experience in the souks. So, shed any reservations and dive into the bargaining banter with enthusiasm. Remember, you're not being impolite; you're participating in a local custom.
If you’re not used to haggling then it’s easy to start feeling guilty but don’t feel bad about getting the price down on an item you want.
The shopkeeper knows you are a tourist and is expecting you to haggle so the prices are all inflated
The shopkeeper wouldn’t sell you something if they weren’t benefiting from it so if you’ve made a deal you’re happy with, accept it and walk away.
It's All Part of the Game. Just remember to stay respectful and have fun.
Never Accept the First Offer
This is a golden rule in the souks of Marrakech. The first price is often inflated, with the expectation that you will negotiate. Use this to your advantage and start your counteroffer much lower than the asking price.
We found that most of the items we bought sold for a third of the initial price … yes, a third!
If a shopkeeper quotes you 100MAD for something, offer 20MAD and then work from there with a view to settle at about 35MAD.
Practice Makes Perfect
Haggling is an art, and like all arts, it requires practice. Spend time engaging with different vendors to hone your skills and get a feel for the true value of items. This hands-on experience is invaluable and will make you a more confident negotiator.
Spending your first couple of days talking to vendors and negotiating will give you an idea about what the true cost of items should be and then you can approach your negotiations with confidence.
The Power of Bulk Purchases
Planning to buy multiple items from the same stall? Use this to your advantage. Vendors are more likely to offer you a better deal if you're buying in bulk, as it means a larger sale for them.
Pretend you're interested in 1 item and get to a proper price for that, then ask the vendor what they would offer if you bought 5 to truly get the best deal.
Be prepared to walk away
Sometimes, the best bargaining tactic is to show you're willing to walk away. If a negotiation isn't going in your favour, politely thank the vendor and start to leave. More often than not, they'll call you back with a better offer.
Give them the cash and leave
A great tactic (I’ve seen my mum do this countless times in Karachi) is to simply hand the vendor the money you're willing to pay and leave the shop with your items confidently.
Now, please take this advice with a tonne of caution, I do not mean that you simply rob the store you are shopping in and pay whatever you want … that would be rude, disrespectful and highly illegal.
This strategy comes with experience and confidence in shopping in markets. After you’ve been there for a while you will get an idea of what things should cost and what prices vendors are willing to accept.
If you’re flirting with a vendor at a particular price point and they seem keen to sell, simply get your wallet out and hand over the exact cash you are willing to pay.
Most of the time the vendor will take the cash, still ask for a higher price but will allow you to leave the store having paid what you wanted.
This tactic requires you to be very confident and respectful and also requires you to know the price point of the items properly (maybe a local has told you, or your friends have bought things there before).
Enjoy the Experience
Above all, remember that haggling in Marrakech's markets is about more than just getting a good deal—it's about interaction, cultural exchange, and the thrill of the hunt. Keep the atmosphere light, maintain your respect for the vendors, and don't tolerate disrespect in return.
Don’t just try and get the cheapest price possible, if you’re happy with the price you're paying for something, engage in some friendly haggling and then buy it happily.
By embracing these principles, you'll not only walk away with some great bargains but also have rich memories of engaging with the vibrant tapestry of Marrakech's market life. So, take a deep breath, dive into the colourful chaos of the souks, and let the haggling begin!
