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| Colorful bargains can be found everywhere (Photos by Michelle Richmond) |
It’s no secret that Mexico is a treasure-trove of colorful
handicrafts. What may be a secret is
that there is a special technique for walking away with some incredible
bargains when visiting South of the Border.
you’re inclined to embark on a shopping spree or not, you may find yourself
caught up in a frenzy of buying. Shopping in
that it is virtually impossible for even the most blasé traveler – male or
female – to return home empty handed. With this thought in mind, you should
take at least one empty suitcase with you when traveling south of the border as
temptations can be found at every turn.
In the Beginning…..
Centuries ago the Aztecs established an event, known as “Tianguis,” which would launch a cultural
tradition which lingers to this day throughout Mexico. The happening, meaning
“marketplace” in Nahuatl gave birth to a cultural phenomenon which thrives to
this day – the art of bargaining.
different areas of Tenochtitlán as
the ancient capital of Mexico was known, providing locals not only with
vegetables and basic foodstuffs, but affording them a social happening.
sacrifices plotted and – best of all – where bargains were struck. Often, goods
were merely bartered but when prices were quoted, counter-offers were made and
the sport began.
Whether fact or fiction, bargaining (regateo) remains a basic fiber of life today and the very core of
their existence. A good rule of thumb is that most handicraft stores (unless
government-run) are open to haggling – and markets specializing in handicrafts
expect it. Think of it as a quasi-national sport, one Mexicans relish with mucho gusto (much pleasure), so indulge
yourself and you’ll walk away richer for the experience.
Mexican mercados. Find one that
works, perfect it – and go for it. Don’t feel guilty. After all, this sport was
started by the ancient tribes of
Ask for the price; make a counter offer, acting
disinterested. Move slowly away, glancing longingly at the object of your
“affection.” When you hear a price you like, start serious negotiations.
Walk determinedly into the shop, make a quick
scan of the merchandise, then do some fast, no nonsense dickering. You’ll get
better deals when buying in bulk.
Clench teeth firmly, pick up the object of your
desires, clinging to it tenaciously until you hear a price you like. Keep on
countering until you wear the clerk out.
Looking vaguely bored, ask for the price, giving
a disdainful snort when it is quoted. Move slowly out of the shop, hoping the
clerk will follow with a better offer. If not, swallow your pride and start
from scratch.
Love all the color! Good tips on how to bargain, too, for those of us whose comfort level is low. 🙂
Happy to oblige. Hope my tips helped.
Fun post! I tend to follow the first approach but do encourage people to purchase the object of your desire rather than walk away. Later you'll wish you had the item you coveted and it will be near impossible to find something similar
I agree! There's nothing worse than having the "shoulda boughts."
I don't typically shop when I travel. When I travel to Mexico, however, shopping is an adventure. I love the colors and bargaining for a deal 🙂
I agree, it is an adventure. And every time I go they have new things to tempt me with.
The handicrafts in Mexico are colorful and can be stunning. We have been reduced to refrigerator magnets as a space issue, but one can always find gifts for others. I'm horrendous at bargaining—so bad that in Laos we were offered a lower price than we suggested — out of pity, I guess.
A lot of people feel guilty about bargaining in foreign countries, but I've lived in several and I know for a fact that they expect it. It really is part of the fun.
I adore Mexican handcrafts. One of my favorites is, http://travelswithcarole.blogspot.com/2012/05/sights-to-see-mercado-artesanal-de-la.html
I'll check it out. Thanks for sharing!
We travel down to Mexico at least once a year – and always have fun buying glassware or a ceramic plate. And silver jewelry is a bargain down there. We figure a good price is what we're happy to pay for the item (and what the seller is happy to sell it for). And it doesn't matter if you overpay, because it's one way of helping out the locals where they get to keep their self-respect. (Great post BTW: We didn't know that marriages were arranged in ancient marketplaces.)
Indeed, everything seemed to have gone on in those ancient marketplaces…not all of it was good, either!
As perpetual, longterm travelers we don't shop nearly as much as I would like and are reduced to useable souveniers (replacing a tote bag for example or item of clothing) or things that tuck away into a suitcase like earrings). However, we love to see the skill and artistry that go into so many of the items for sale and we love visiting the markets in Mexico as well as other countries.
You are so right. There's nothing quite as colorful – or satisfying – as shopping in foreign markets. The choices are boundless!
Your bargaining techniques could easily be transferred to New York City's Chinatown 🙂
So true! Then again, you could probably use these techniques in craft markets all over the world. Thanks for checking in.
For fine crafts, go to the Sabato Market outside town. Be ready for lots to see and buy. For fun stuff, keep your eyes out even in touristy places for Frida Kahlo paintings on sneakers. The peso is so low right now,you absolutely have to shop
Hi Phyllis,
Thanks for stopping by! Indeed, Bazaar Sabado is one of my favorites – especially the stalls outside where you find real bargains!
Happy shopping!
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