How To Negotiate In The Marrakech Souk

Discover the best practices with our ten foolproof techniques to have fun in the souks of Marrakech:

1. Do Your Research: Before heading to the souks, familiarize yourself with the typical prices for items you’re interested in. This will give you a benchmark to negotiate from.
2.  Start with a Low Offer: When the vendor tells you the price, respond with an offer that’s about 50% lower. This leaves room for negotiation and shows the vendor that you’re serious about getting a good deal.
3. Show Interest but Don’t Be Too Eager: Express interest in the item but avoid showing too much excitement. If the vendor senses that you’re desperate to buy, it might be harder to get a lower price.
4. Be Polite and Friendly: A smile and a friendly attitude go a long way. Moroccan vendors appreciate good manners, and being kind can help you secure a better deal.
5.  Walk Away if Needed: If you feel the price isn’t right, don’t be afraid to walk away. Often, vendors will call you back and offer a better price if they see you’re about to leave.
6. Use Local Language: Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or the local Berber language. Even simple greetings can help create a connection and make the vendor more willing to negotiate.
7. Bundle Items: If you’re buying multiple items, ask for a discount. Vendors are often more willing to lower the price when they see you’re making a larger purchase.
8. Cash is King: Cash payments are often preferred in the souks. Sometimes, offering to pay in cash can help you secure a better deal.
9. Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. Negotiating is part of the experience in the souks. Take your time to enjoy the interaction and the back-and-forth of bargaining.
10. Know When to Stop: Understand the value of the item and recognize when you’ve reached a fair price. Pushing too hard can offend the vendor and spoil the experience.