HOW TO NEGOCIATE IN THE SOUKS OF MARRAKECH

The souks of Marrakech are full of craft treasures, and are the ideal place to make good business. To enjoy it, you have to be a killer in negociation, the Moroccan national sport! Dunes & Desert offers you his unstoppable tips to master the art of haggling.

You are not yet a trading pro? Discover our 6 infallible techniques* to have fun in the souks of Marrakech:

1- Inquire in advance

In any negotiation, you must have in mind an idea of the price of the object you wish to acquire. Start by taking a tour of the different shops to get a better idea of the prices. Or even better ask your local friends for their price estimate or why not to buy the object of your dreams for you.

The Dunes & Desert special tip: to make better deals, go to the stalls shortly before closing, it will be easier to negotiate at the end of the day ☺

2- Group your purchases

Try to buy multiple items in the same shop, or shop together with your friends. This will make it easier for you to negotiate a “wholesale price” or get a small gift from the merchant.

3- Never be the first to announce a price

If you announce a too high price without even realizing it, the seller will bring you anyway a little higher….! Let the seller give the first price and negotiate afterwards!!

4- Set a price limit

Set in your head the price you expect to pay for such and such an object: “What price I am willing to pay for this tajine dish? This will make it easier for you to negotiate. And if in the end you arrive at this famous price, even if you paid a little more than a local, you can be happy with your negotiation!

5- Keep calm ☺

Do not forget that trading is a sport in Morocco, so the exchange must be polite and respectful. Do not be aggressive, do not try to get as low as possible, and do not go for a few euros. Negotiation must be easy-going and friendly. Another important point, do not get into a big bargain if you do not intend to buy in the end, it’s a waste of time for everyone. Remember that in the end both parties have to be satisfied, this is the basis of a good negotiation ☺

6- Show your acting skills

Did you choose theater during your studies? It’s time to use your forgotten talents! Pretend not to be interested in the object of your dreams, and start by looking at other items in the shop. Take the time to chat, make jokes… We can even go so far as to pretend to leave the stall to attempt a final price negotiation. All in respect and good spirit, as said above ☺

7- Know some words of Moroccan Darija

It always helps to know a few words in the language of the country you visit, especially when negotiating! Bear in mind some expressions of politeness and some numbers, not to look like a total stranger. A small sentence in Darija can have some influence on the seller in front of you, and in any case facilitate the negotiation.

Can we negotiate everywhere?

There are more and more “classic” shops in the medina of Marrakech, ie designer shops with listed prices, in which it is not popular to negotiate prices. But don’t worry, bargaining is still present in most places in the souks ☺

A few words / expressions in Moroccan darija

Hello, how are you ?
Salam alikoum, Labess ?

I would like to buy this.
Bghit nachri hada.

It’s expensive !
Rali Bsef !

It’s OK.
Wahra.

Thank you so much.
Choukran bsef.

Good bye.
Bslama.

Numbers in Moroccan Darija

1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Wahed, Jouj, Tleta, Arbaa, Ramsa

6, 7, 8, 9,
Sta, Sba, Tmania, Tzeud

10, 20, 30, 40, 50
Achra, Chrin, Tletin, Arbin, Ramsin

60, 70, 80, 90,
Stin, Sbein, Tmanine, Tissein