rmf11699 Posted April 18, 2018 #1 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Let's say you're in some Caribbean port and you go into a shop to buy souvenirs. You shop for a half hour for coffee mugs, t-shirts, key chains etc. Do you pay the listed price for all the items or try to negotiate a better deal for the lot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare sparks1093 Posted April 18, 2018 #2 Share Posted April 18, 2018 If it is an actual shop than it's very likely that you'll pay the price marked on the item, just like any other store. If it is a straw market/sidewalk vendor then you might be able to negotiate the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted April 18, 2018 #3 Share Posted April 18, 2018 As a rule shops will not let you negotiate on prices for items. To do that you need to shop at the vendors on the street and the tents set up at some of the piers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herfnerd Posted April 18, 2018 #4 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Usually pay the listed price unless, as sparks and krazy posted, its a street side/straw market vendor. For items like mugs, keychains and t-shirts, you'll find the exact same thing in a number of stores. With some of the more "mom and pop" type shops, we've been known to say loud enough for the store owner to hear that its too expensive or that we can find it cheaper at another store and on occasion, they've lowered the price - doesn't happen often but it has happened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmf11699 Posted April 18, 2018 Author #5 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Follow up question, do you carry small bills like $5 and $10 so you can say, "I'd love that but I only have $10" so you can get it half price? Sent from my Pixel 2 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare sparks1093 Posted April 18, 2018 #6 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Follow up question, do you carry small bills like $5 and $10 so you can say, "I'd love that but I only have $10" so you can get it half price? Sent from my Pixel 2 using Forums mobile app I've known people to do that (and it's worked for them), but it's not a technique that I would use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmf11699 Posted April 18, 2018 Author #7 Share Posted April 18, 2018 I've known people to do that (and it's worked for them), but it's not a technique that I would use.Why not? Sent from my Pixel 2 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachbum53 Posted April 18, 2018 #8 Share Posted April 18, 2018 I've known people to do that (and it's worked for them), but it's not a technique that I would use. Why not? Sent from my Pixel 2 using Forums mobile app Because the vendor may ignore you, or suggest that you shop elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare sparks1093 Posted April 18, 2018 #9 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Why not? Sent from my Pixel 2 using Forums mobile app Because it's an untruth and I try hard to avoid that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachbum53 Posted April 18, 2018 #10 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Follow up question, do you carry small bills like $5 and $10 so you can say, "I'd love that but I only have $10" so you can get it half price? Sent from my Pixel 2 using Forums mobile app Give that a try at International Diamonds and Gold and let us know how that worked out for you. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare geoherb Posted April 18, 2018 #11 Share Posted April 18, 2018 I haven't initiated bartering, but I've had vendors offer a better price when I've picked up something then put it back. As someone who occasionally sells pottery at shows, I know how irritating people can be when they try to barter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTBCruiser Posted April 18, 2018 #12 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Bartering is generally part of the culture and I've been successful more times than not to get a cheaper price even in merchant stores. I believe the key is to be polite even if they don't lower the price. A simple thank you goes a long way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzeluver Posted April 18, 2018 #13 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Not all Caribbean islands are the same. As others have pointed out, brick and mortar stores typically one would expect to pay the price on the item. As for street vendors, it depends. Some places (Cozumel and Jamaica come to mind) expect you to barter. Some places do not and would look at you rather funny if you offered to pay less than the price marked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmf11699 Posted April 18, 2018 Author #14 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Give that a try at International Diamonds and Gold and let us know how that worked out for you. :DWon't be a problem as I won't be shopping in that type of store [emoji1] Sent from my Pixel 2 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BallFour4 Posted April 18, 2018 #15 Share Posted April 18, 2018 As a rule shops will not let you negotiate on prices for items.To do that you need to shop at the vendors on the street and the tents set up at some of the piers. Not quite true. Variables depend on the port, how late in the day, etc. I've negotiated watches in St Thomas, tons of stuff in Cozumel including watches and a ring for my wife and almost every purchase in smaller ports like Progreso. Cash talks, carry it with you. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BallFour4 Posted April 18, 2018 #16 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Give that a try at International Diamonds and Gold and let us know how that worked out for you. :D I did. Bought a Bulova Precisionist Catamount 98B166 new release dive watch at a lesser price than US or from the ship. Verified and registered the warranty. It was a late departure from Cozumel and the shop was empty. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted April 18, 2018 #17 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Just to be clear, "bartering" is the trading of goods/services without the involvement of money. Even the term "haggling" is often misused as it is more accurately described as "petty/contentious." So, let's stick with the term "negotiating." It's both a blessing and a curse to have been born in Brooklyn where some of the first words out of your mouth is "never pay retail." Not so much with trinkets but, rather, with native arts/crafts for which our prior research has laid the groundwork, we will focus on the hunt for a particular item armed with basic knowledge regarding its average price range. With bigger ticket items, it never hurts to shoot for 15%+\- discount off the stated price. Of course, "money talks (cash)" because it saves the fee to the vendor. But not using a credit card has its obvious drawbacks. Where we've had the most success in paying less-than-asked (beyond those distant locations where "haggling" is somewhat of a cultural thing) has been in "bundling," i.e., "what can you do for me if we take both items," or focusing on waivers of tax/shipping. Bottom line is that it never hurts to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAS_J Posted April 18, 2018 #18 Share Posted April 18, 2018 I always try to get a better price when dealing with the merchants. Most of the time it works. They typically raise their prices when a cruise ship pulls into the port. I find that you can get a better price later in the day, Just before the ships sails as they will lose most of their selling chances. But, that does not always work. if you can not talk them down on the price, and you really can do without the item just way away. sometime when you turn to walk away they will come chasing you and offer to take the price you offered. Carnival Triumph Carnival Liberty Carnival Dearm Carnival Sensation 2 times Carnival Freedom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evandbob Posted April 18, 2018 #19 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Just to be clear, "bartering" is the trading of goods/services without the involvement of money. Even the term "haggling" is often misused as it is more accurately described as "petty/contentious." So, let's stick with the term "negotiating."It's both a blessing and a curse to have been born in Brooklyn where some of the first words out of your mouth is "never pay retail." Not so much with trinkets but, rather, with native arts/crafts for which our prior research has laid the groundwork, we will focus on the hunt for a particular item armed with basic knowledge regarding its average price range. With bigger ticket items, it never hurts to shoot for 15%+\- discount off the stated price. Of course, "money talks (cash)" because it saves the fee to the vendor. But not using a credit card has its obvious drawbacks. Where we've had the most success in paying less-than-asked (beyond those distant locations where "haggling" is somewhat of a cultural thing) has been in "bundling," i.e., "what can you do for me if we take both items," or focusing on waivers of tax/shipping. Bottom line is that it never hurts to ask. TY, saved me from posting the Barter definition. Glad I read your reply first. Bartering might result in your missing the ship. I imagine the OP meant bargain or some other synonym? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfuzzy Posted April 18, 2018 #20 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Hmm, I know some islands "negotiate" prices, and then again some don't. Jamaica and Mexico are known for "negotiating" prices, but Aruba and Grand Cayman are not known for doing that. Just for fun, I saw a purse in Antigua at the tents in the lot by the casino, and offered a price less than what they wanted, she just turned and walked away...I guess nothing was better than something Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanger727 Posted April 18, 2018 #21 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Agree, it depends 1. What island you are on and 2. What kind of store you are in. Diamonds international, and really any of the port stores, are not going to entertain haggling. But, i prefer to shop locally in port and can’t say that I’ve paid full price for much if anything. I’m not much for haggler so I get it started (which also feels out if they haggle) the same way. There’s always someone at the booth or the store; even if it’s marked with a price, ask ‘how much’. When they come back with $20. So no, that’s too much and put the item back. If they haggle they will come back with ‘I can do $15’. Then you know haggling is fair game and go for it. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Essiesmom Posted April 18, 2018 #22 Share Posted April 18, 2018 I hate to bargain, but it now comes second nature. Yes, I bargain in the jewelry stores, too. 'Is that the best you can do'? How much do you want to spend? 'Under $xxx... I can get some pretty good bargains. If I am using a credit card, I know I'm down to the lowest offer when they specify Visa/Mastercard rather then AMEX, EM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BDRebel Posted April 18, 2018 #23 Share Posted April 18, 2018 2. What kind of store you are in. Diamonds international, and really any of the port stores, are not going to entertain haggling. This is not necessarily true - DI is very entertaining of haggling. My wife has become somewhat of a professional at it:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BallFour4 Posted April 18, 2018 #24 Share Posted April 18, 2018 Diamonds International, and really any of the port stores, are not going to entertain haggling. Forgive me for truncating your post. We’ve found the opposite in ports. With so many trips from Galveston stopping in Cozumel and lots of them when there were fewer ships in port the prices on a watch I bought and jewelry my wife bought were negotiated down based on paying cash. In St Thomas last summer I bought two watches and had them chase me down to agree on my cash offer. I saved $$ over the ship prices that were 35% off MSRP by about $150. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanger727 Posted April 18, 2018 #25 Share Posted April 18, 2018 I’ve not actually ever shopped at diamonds international. Was using that more as a point of reference as a ‘corporate’ type store since someone else said they don’t negotiate. But I’ve not had an trouble having local stores in Mexico be willing to negotiate. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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