Call it what you want. Negotiating, bargaining, or haggling. The point is you’re going to get the best possible price on whatever you want to buy. In Southeast Asia, prices are rarely fixed and open for negotiation. Unless you’re in a chain store in a shopping mall, chances are the clerk ringing you up is open to negotiating the price. But for those who are a little shy or uncomfortable talking about money in such open and demanding ways, here’s our quick fix guide to bargaining like a veteran shopper.

1. Arrive early — For many vendors in Southeast Asia, the first customer or sale of the day is considered lucky. Because of this superstition, they’ll be more likely to compromise on their prices to ensure a smooth transaction in the morning. If you know exactly what you want, head to the market a few minutes before it opens when the vendor is just about done setting up.
2. Don’t appear too eager — This is a no brainer. Don’t let them smell the desperation on you. Pretend you’re just shopping around and that you’re not really so keen on making the purchase.
3. Shop around — Make sure you know the average going price of the item you want. From there, you can lower the price by half and negotiate from there.
4. Be polite and smile — If you’re a total jerk, the vendor won’t want to do business with you and will most likely rather lose the sale than put up with your rudeness. Smile, be polite, and remember that you’re a guest in their country.
5. Speak in the local language — Using a few phrases in the local language can go along way. Not only does it show that you’ve been here for awhile and are a little more business savvy than the average tourist, but that you’re also interested in the culture.
6. The quality probably isn’t as good as the merchant says it is — Use this to your advantage. Point out flaws in the workmanship or frays in the fabric. If the merchant claims it’s made of silk, say otherwise. You might be right and if so, you shouldn’t be paying nearly as much as what the vendor is asking. This’ll help bring the asking price down.
7. Ask for extras — If the merchant is dead set on the price, ask if he can throw in some extras, smaller items that can be part of the deal. Sometimes asking for a volume discount can help too.
8. Be ready to walk away — Since you’ve done your homework, you know where else you can purchase the same item and what the going price is. If the merchant is asking for something outrageous, walk away. If they really want to make the sale, they’ll throw out a lower price before you disappear.
9. Remember what you’re really haggling for — You can spend half an hour haggling over something to save a dollar, but is it worth it at the end of the day? Remember the economy that most of the vendors are living in. That dollar might not mean much to you, but it’ll go a long way in their country.
10. You probably won’t get the local rate — Sometimes it’s easier to just accept that tourists pay a tourist rate and locals pay a local rate. That’s how most of Southeast Asia is. Like we mentioned in #9, that extra dollar probably won’t break the bank for you but will help the vendor’s family.