How to haggle in Iran

If you are traveling to Iran and like every tourist, you are eager to fill your luggage with Persian rugs or handmade enameled copper plates, it essential to learn how to haggle.

Iran is among countries in which haggling, Chaaneh Zadan in Farsi, plays a key role in everyday trades. So if you are bashful about it and you don’t have money to burn on excessive prices, find a local guide to accompany you through shopping. Your Iranian friend, host or tour guide are better companions in comparison with a random guy in the street.

Two basic points you should be aware before learning how to haggle in Iranian bazaars are where you should not do it and how low you can go in your counteroffer.

Fixed-priced stores such as convenient stores, retail shops or public transportation such as taxis are those that you don’t need to think over for paying the price but have it mind that you can even haggle for the fee when you are renting a cab darbast in the street.

Haggling is not rude unless your offer goes in too low, like under %30 of the first quote. But feel free to go for rock-bottom prices on goods of street vendors.

Timing

Try to be the first customer early in the morning since the first sale is considered good omen to shopkeepers, called dasht in Farsi, and they compromise eagerly to seal the deal. Also being the last customer, at the night, gives you the leverage to push down the prices. Rainy days and last hours of the weekend are also appropriate times to go shopping.

Gauge prices

Get prepared by gauging the prices before you enter a shop. Search online for the item or survey shops in the bazaars and ask the price nonchalantly. Once you have found out how much you should pay for the maximum, put a bit less than the needed amount in your wallet to claim it’s all you have or say that is all I have got, I need the rest to pay for my cab.

Tactical approach

Remember not to show the slightest whiff of desire toward your preferable item, play cool, and be likable then start negotiating. Go in low once you have heard the first offer. Start with %30 or %40 of the first price but be prepared to settle for %60 if you do the talking skillfully.

Look for small flaws and express it by telling you don’t like the color or you do not really need it then come up with counter-offers. Sellers will compromise when they feel you are losing interest and they are losing the battle. So if you feel they are not playing the ball, put the item down and continue browsing or say thanks and leave. It is possible they come after you with a better price but first make sure there are other shops available selling the good since it is risky they ignore your leaving act.

Haggling would come handy in many countries around the world, but due to the diversity of cultures, bargaining in every country follows unwritten strategies that you can find out by asking locals.