Top 10 Tips on How To Shop in Turkey

Shopping is a blast when you are in an exotic sensual new place like Turkey, that is known for it's "Turkish Delights" and the wonderful 'bargaining' experience. These top 10 tips will help you to get the best deals out of that moment when ShoppingInTurkey.

 Top 10 tips on How To Shop In Turkey:

1. Have a guide with you the first day you are in Turkey. They can get you some great deals and show you how to do it. 

2. Keep a calm demeanor... You might have to practice ladies. No matter how much you LOVE the item 'don't' show that. Be able to leave it. (It will pay off, I know.) 

3. Have plenty of time... sometimes it pays to leisurely have a cup of the offered tea to end up with everyone happy; them selling something, and you getting a great deal and a story to tell back home. 

4. Never be afraid to walk away... from the deal. You'd be surprised how the price will drop if you execute this correctly. 

5. Be knowledgeable..by having an idea of what the general price is for the item you are looking to buy.

6. Be cagey... Never tell the shop owners/sales people what you "want to pay". They will always ask you that. Stick to your guns and keep saying, what is your lowest price (with a smile).

7. No regrets... Be happy with the deal you get and even if you hear a lower price that someone else got something for, remember your experience and your happiness with the item and price when you got it.

8. Rule of Thumb...  know they are doubling or tripling the real price that they will take. So you counter with half of what you have decided you 'will' pay for the item and work from there.   

9. Bring cash... The shop owners only want to deal in cash. If you only have a credit card, seemingly 'all' shopowners have a friend/uncle in the carpet business that will let them use their cc machine for a 2-6% charge. Plus, you will be looking at carpets the next thing you know. 

10. You're obliged only if you agree on a price... Even though you've spent a half hour and maybe drank their tea, unless you have agreed on a price you are not obligated. If you've made a verbal contract, you must honor it. (Your word you know?)

Other helpful links: http://www.archaeologous.com/blog/127/turkish-souvenirs/

 http://www.archaeologous.com/blog/261/10-top-reasons-vacation-turkey-archaeologous/