Rules of bargaining in Istanbul

Bargaining is a must in this city… Especially in areas that are of highest interest to you, such as the historic center and around the monuments… Sultanahmet for instance is where the power of bargaining really takes over the individual. Every piece of item you lay your hand upon will be quoted at possibly 5 times what it is actually worth.

Grand Bazaar is where things really get out of hand. There, the sales people are so adept that they can even speak Chinese if they need to. They swarm around you shouting “Buono sera, Ciao, Hola, Hallo, Beautiful lady” etc. Most of them, which have been taught at the school of life, can indeed speak up to 5 or 6 different languages.

It is thus recommended that you learn to speak a bit of Turkish for the purpose of bargaining. The following are a few useful phrases.

Open Markets, such as this fish market in Kadıköy, are where you can practice some rules of bargaining

“İkisi en son kaça?” – What is your final offer for these two?

“Çok pahalı.” – Very expensive

“Biraz indirirsen alırım.” – If you can improve on the price, I will buy it.

“Yan tarafta daha ucuz ama.” – The other store charges less for this.

“Yan tarafta daha ucuz, biraz indirim yaparsan senden alırım.” – The other store charges less for this; but if you can improve on the price I will buy it from you.

Other tactics include:

1. Counter pricing an item. In other words if the sales person says 10, say 5. He will then say 8 is final, insist on 5.

2. Be strong and obstinate. Say the price is ridiculous and too high, but keep on hanging around until he makes a discount.

3. Try to increase the number of things you buy, and ask for a cumulative discount.

Yellow cabs

These tactics will not work on taxis, trendy bars and restaurants, boutique stores and global brands. Especially the taxis have taxi-meters that already charge so much less than European counterparts, therefore you are unlikely to get a discount on that.

Open markets, bazaars, gift stores and antique stores are where bargaining powers will be most influential. Although bargaining does work so well in this city, try not to insult or offend people either. There is a limit to everything; therefore do not cross the line too much to anger the sales people -especially if you are bargaining for something hand-made or personally produced.

Good luck!

[Images my own]