Knowing when and where to haggle in Oaxaca
Now that we have given you a few strategies on how to haggle, now might be a good
time to give you some advice on when and where it is appropriate to do so.
Galleries and Stores: Both have a high overhead to pay (rent, utilities and employees) and
will usually have fixed prices. However, in this economy there are usually unmarked sales
going on, so it never hurts to ask for a discount. Haggling here, is usually inappropriate.
Out in the Villages: Workshops, co-ops. Somewhat appropriate to do, but usually not
necessary, being that deals and discounts are very common here. Items for purchase should
be marked with a price tag; if they are not, be a little suspicious and be ready to bargain.
From the source: (The person who actually made the craft) Unless you are a wholesaler
or buying in quantity, it is rather inappropriate to do so, although deals and price breaks
are routinely given without asking. Expect to see items marked with a price here also.
Market Vendors: Depending on whom you are dealing with here. If your vendor is some
slick talking operator, haggling will be very appropriate to do so and you can count on the
prices either rising or falling the second he or she first sizes you up. If however, your
vendor is that of an indigenous person, haggling may not be as appropriate. As you ponder
upon the fact that seven out of ten people in Oaxaca live in extreme poverty and the
poorest of them all are that of the indigenous population. You may even choose to pay
more than the asking price, being that the extra money given maybe going to a good cause,
such as to help feed the vendor’s family. Let your conscience be your guide here.
Street Vendors: Like moths to a flame, only these vendors will either be much more
younger or older. Same advice as the market vendors.
Beach Vendors: (None in the city, but rather in the state of Oaxaca on the beaches on the
southern coast, which are just, either a half hour flight or an overnight bus ride away)
Where large groups of tourists with umbrellas in their drinks encounter vendors on a daily
basis. Goods are common and plentiful and it is definitely a buyer’s market. Vendors are
used to haggling, so there is a very high likelihood that you will be haggling for everything
you will ever see. Expect no price tags or any really good deals.
Port Of Call Huatalco: (Where the cruise ships come in) Same advice as on the beach,
except here, only more ruthless, being both you and the vendors.
The all-inclusive resorts: Not very likely, and expect over inflated prices on items, but it
never hurts to ask for a deal.