Market Etiquette– Respect the Price!
Today, from a Mexican friend born in Ajijic I received a humbling opinion on market bargaining. On many travel sites, tourists to Mexico are encouraged to haggle when they shop in markets. They are advised, in fact, that if they pay the first offer, the vendors will be laughing at them when they leave. Travelers to Mexico are told that with bargaining, comes respect. I quoted to my friend from one site that gives such ungenerous advice as this: “Haggling is practically national sport for many Mexican merchants, and you should get into the game for the thrill of it.”
At first she gazed at me in disbelief, unable to comprehend how tourist fears of being made fun of or getting taken advantage of, could make a game of the vendor’s need to charge fair prices that can feed their family. Then this quiet woman grew passionate in voice and gesture. She told me that asking for a price to be lowered is something she herself or any Mexican she knows in Ajijic would never do. Ever! That she considered it one of the most discourteous behaviors that tourists, both American and Mexican, as well as many expats, demonstrate to their Ajijic hosts. She added more quietly, that though this seems to be a misunderstanding rather than a bad intention, the unintended insult is heightened as the dollar grows and the peso sinks.
Respect the price, she cried out, her voice again fervent. Those of us shopping at the market or in the shops in Ajijic may have been well-intentioned, with no idea that we are being offensive, when we try to get a lower price. My friend asks that you think again, pay the asking price, and be glad you have the privilege of supporting the local economy.
Thank you, Susa! Makes perfect sense to me to respect asking prices. Thanks for educating! and for speaking Spanish so fluently.
I always pay what is asked but sometimes the vendor (usually one of those that “bothers” you on the street) will give a lower price if you hem and haw. Unfortunately, it seems that for the things I really want, I am not offered a bargain, and so I gladly pay what is asked. Good to know I’m doing it the right way.
Hi Susa. Yes, fascinating stuff. It is the same here, but one does have to be careful about offending. I find it depends on the persons attitude who wants to sell me something. Hope you are enjoying life. Remember you son is coming soon. Joy x
I agree with the advice, unless an item is damaged, or, as Lila says, the vendor travels about, and offers you a set price.
Meant to say…”unless the vendor offers you a reduced price without your prompting him or her.”