Bargaining is a common practice in many of Moscow’s local markets, and it can be an essential skill for getting the best deals, especially when shopping for souvenirs, fashion, and handcrafted goods. While larger department stores and malls have fixed prices, many smaller shops, street vendors, and markets in Moscow are open to negotiation. Here’s a guide to bargaining and negotiating prices in Moscow’s markets so you can save money and enjoy the thrill of a good deal.
1. Know Where to Bargain
While bargaining is not acceptable everywhere in Moscow, it’s a common practice in certain places. The best markets to test your negotiation skills include:
Popular Bargain-Friendly Markets
- Izmailovo Market: A bustling flea market where you can negotiate for Russian souvenirs, traditional crafts, and vintage items.
- Vernisazh Market: Known for handmade crafts, art, and local goods, this market is perfect for bargaining on unique Russian artifacts and fashion items.
- Danilovsky Market: This market offers a mix of food, local products, and artisanal goods, and some stalls allow you to negotiate prices.
- Yelagin Island Market: A more traditional Russian market, perfect for purchasing local crafts and fashion accessories.
Where Bargaining is Not Common
- Luxury shopping malls like GUM and TSUM typically have fixed prices and bargaining is not accepted.
- Designer boutiques in areas like Tverskaya Street or Arbat do not entertain haggling.
2. Start Low, Be Polite
When negotiating, it’s important to begin with a lower offer than the original price to give yourself room for compromise. Start by offering 50-60% of the asking price and gradually move up. Always be polite and respectful during the process, as rudeness can lead to the seller refusing to negotiate.
Example Approach
- If the seller asks for 1,000 rubles, you might start by offering 600 rubles and work your way up from there. Sellers typically expect this back-and-forth negotiation.
Why It’s Important
Being respectful and friendly can encourage the seller to lower the price for you. Smiling, maintaining good eye contact, and using polite phrases will help make the negotiation process smoother.
3. Show Interest Without Overcommitting
While it’s important to show that you’re interested in the item, avoid appearing too eager, as this could make the seller less likely to lower the price. Instead, express a subtle level of interest and consider walking away if the price doesn’t drop to your desired range.
Example Tactic
If the price is too high for your budget, you can say something like, “This is a bit above my budget, I’ll think about it,” and begin to walk away. Sellers often call you back with a better price if they sense you’re considering walking off.
4. Understand the Value of the Item
Before negotiating, it’s important to know the approximate value of the item you’re buying. Research online or ask other vendors to get a sense of the market price for similar goods. This will help you evaluate the quality and determine if the asking price is fair.
How to Do It
- Check prices online or in local stores before heading to the market.
- Compare prices at different market stalls to gauge what’s fair.
5. Bundle Your Purchases
If you’re planning to buy more than one item, consider bundling them together. Many vendors are more likely to offer you a discount if you’re buying multiple items at once.
Example Approach
- Ask for a discount if you’re buying several items, like “If I buy 3, can you offer me a better price?” This can often result in a small but significant discount.
6. Use Cash for Better Deals
Sellers are often more willing to negotiate when you offer cash instead of paying by card. Having cash on hand gives you more leverage, especially when buying from small, independent vendors in markets.
Why Cash Works
- Sellers avoid paying credit card fees, and they may offer you a better price if you pay in cash. You can also ask for discounts by paying with smaller bills or offering an exact amount.
7. Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes, the best bargaining strategy is simply to walk away. If the seller is unwilling to meet your price, politely thank them and begin walking toward another stall. Often, this will make the seller reconsider and call you back with a better offer.
Why It’s Effective
Walking away shows the seller you’re not desperate and are willing to leave without buying. This can push them to offer a better deal.
8. Use Your Language Skills
If you can speak basic Russian, using the language in your negotiations will help you build rapport with the seller. While many vendors in Moscow speak English, they might appreciate your effort to speak their language and be more flexible with pricing.
Helpful Phrases
- “Skol’ko?” (How much?)
- “Mozhno skynut’ tsenu?” (Can you lower the price?)
- “Ochen’ dorogo” (It’s very expensive)
Even if you don’t speak fluently, learning a few key phrases can help you communicate your price expectations.
9. Know the Right Time to Bargain
Timing can be a factor in successful bargaining. Markets tend to be less crowded early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when vendors may be more willing to negotiate. Avoid busy times, like weekends or holidays, when sellers are likely to stick to their fixed prices.
Best Times for Bargaining
- Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.
- Avoid peak tourist seasons or weekends, when prices might be non-negotiable.
10. Be Prepared to Walk Away Empty-Handed
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the seller might not meet your price, and that’s okay. It’s important to remain patient and not get frustrated. If the deal isn’t right, it’s always better to leave empty-handed than overpay for something you don’t feel good about.
Why It’s Important
Patience and confidence are key to successful bargaining. If you’re not getting the deal you want, it’s perfectly fine to walk away. There will always be other opportunities for better prices.
Conclusion
Bargaining in Moscow’s markets can be a fun and rewarding experience if you approach it with confidence, patience, and respect. By doing your research, knowing when to walk away, and using some of the tips above, you can get great deals on Russian souvenirs, fashion items, and local goods. So next time you’re at Izmailovo Market or Vernisazh, use these strategies to negotiate the best price and enjoy the thrill of a successful deal.