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Bargain like professional in Azerbaijan

9 March 2015 10:00 (UTC+04:00)
Bargain like professional in Azerbaijan

By Nigar Orujova

Oh, the sweet word of discount flatters the ears of millions of people around the world. Azerbaijan is no exception. This time of the year when sales are all around, there is still a place for bargaining particularly in Baku.

Azerbaijan’s sellers like their colleagues in the southern countries can bargain for hours. So, you need to have this point in mind while buying something from the cozy tiny shops around the capital city and the country.

So, the tourists who have enough time and a strong temper to spend hours in Baku’s markets should be aware of some basic tips for a good bargain.

The main point is that every self-respecting tourist usually buys souvenirs. I have told earlier, what souvenirs you need to buy in Azerbaijan to make the visit memorable. Now, let me tell you about the main bargain tricks that will help you save more money and have fun.

First, learn some Azerbaijani words to make a good impression. Say Salam (Hi), Sagol (Thank you) and Chox bahadi (Very expensive) to attract the attention of the merchant.

Each experienced tourist knows well that the price of souvenirs near the historical places is always higher than those a little far away from such places. Never be afraid of exploring other places, as the country is very safe and Azerbaijanis are very open and welcoming for guests and will help you to find the way back.

Second, be ready psychologically for this game, look confident, make your voice firm and do not avoid eye contact. Make the shop man believe you are a master of bargain, even if you are not, and ask the prices. Keep repeating Azerbaijani words to weaken the contestant.

Third, tell him or her that the price is too high (Chox bahadi) and suggest your own price. Do not be afraid to tell the minimum price. This will let you and your opponent know the scope of bargain.

Fourth, start getting closer to the seller. Find some little problem about the souvenir and remind the seller about it. Suggest even a lower price and be ironic about the actual price. You can say that there are plenty of such souvenirs in other places much cheaper than in the shop, but since you like the merchant, you prefer to buy it from him or her.

Try to speak personally with the seller, because other tourists in the shop may also want to enjoy the discount. Naturally the seller can’t sell all the goods with discount.

Fifth, show the seller that you are willing to buy the souvenir. You can show your money, but immediately add this point that this is your all money for the time. If you want to buy a number of things do not hesitate to say, you want a discount.

After all these steps, the seller will give up and you will get what you want for an agreeable price. However, if the merchant is obstinate, don’t forget that the whole process was just a fun and leave the shop. You will definitely find the same souvenir in a nearby shop or will buy it with a final price.

Use all these tips and tricks regardless of buying a cheap or expensive souvenir. Do not forget that you can also bargain with some taxi drivers.

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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

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