Bargains At The Bazaar

From the first time I attempted to make a purchase in Afghanistan, it was clear to me that this was not a country of price takers. That is, sellers don’t have set prices that give customers the option of “take it or leave it.” In Canada, that’s pretty much how the economy works but for a few things like cars. You don’t go to Walmart expecting to negotiate prices (unless you’re one of thooose people).

In Afghanistan, the price you pay for something depends on a whole bunch of variables, and everyone I’ve talked to seems to be figuring out their own strategy for getting a good deal.

“Please my friend, come look!,” called the Afghan watch seller from behind several dozen Rolexes.  Already knowing that I have a watch addiction and I’m at least curious, I decided to look.  I said right away that “I don’t really need a watch.”  Just to make sure he doesn’t get too excited that he’s going to make an easy sale, I dash his hopes right from the beginning, “I know these are very expensive but thank you anyway.”  “NO NO, these are very good quality,” he reassures me while filling both my hands with different watches to look at, ensuring I can’t get away that easily. I’ve come to realize this more and more, but we “westerners” (the average Canadian, at least) are more interested in price right away.  The Afghan sellers here are more interested in getting you to like something right away before mentioning price.  Whether it’s scarves, carpets, watches, woodwork, or anything else, the negotiation of price comes at the end after you’ve picked what you like.

I’d be naive to go in to this without at least having talked to others about what they paid for watches or at least going with other people and listening to their negotiation first.  Having an idea what these two watches were worth and already having researched a bit about the quality of these knockoff brands, I found what I liked.  I hit him with it, “What’s your best price for these two?”  That’s the most common way of asking for his price and also trying to bring him a bit lower than his already high starting point.  It’s normal for the starting price to be at least double or triple what you end up paying in the end.  It just takes time and a bit of polite argument.  “No, that’s too expensive.  I’ll look again next week,” I tell him as my legs start to fall asleep sitting cross-legged on his carpet across from him.  There’s no way he’d let me go at this point, “wait, OK…” he rubs his beard as he brings his price a little lower.  “I can’t really afford that for these, maybe I’ll just do one today,” I tell him.  Still not wanting to miss out on the sale of two watches, he comes down even lower and we get close to a price I’m OK with.  Just because I know this price range is still a great profit margin for him and I think I can still get a better deal, I offer something just a bit lower and stand my ground.  He says a few different things trying to make me feel guilty and telling me that this is almost the price he pays for them (yeah, right!). But I know since it’s been a short-ish negotiation (some can take a long time) this price is still good for him.  I stand my ground until he just goes for it.  “Sorry, this is the highest I can pay for these,” I tell him.  “OK, Sir.  Thank you so much,” he smiles with excitement.  “Just, please Sir.  Don’t tell anybody the price,”he asks me.  “Of course.  I won’t.  I promise” I tell him.

Going from a disappointed and worried look on his face while we negotiate price to pure happiness with handshakes and full hugs (Yes, Afghans hug a lot!) in a second, I know we both got a good deal.  I’m happy, and he’s happy, and the experience of negotiating is priceless.  They seem to always ask you at the end, “You happy?”  “Yes, Sir.  Thank you so much.  I’m very happy.  Take care!” I tell him.  “You too, my friend!” he says.

I hope to post more about these bargains in the future.  Our bazaar is always interesting with all kinds of neat things for sale.  Do you think you’d be more open to negotiating and bargaining in stores where prices “seem” to be set in stone?  What are your experiences with negotiating?

Happy bargain hunting!