Bargaining, haggling, negotiating. Whatever label you put on it, you can be certain that it occurs on many local Italian streets.
From the produce and clothes vendors in Rome to the leather markets in Florence, there are a myriad of items awaiting you at any outside Italian market. But before you dive into the antiques, there are certain guidelines to outdoor market etiquette that will guarantee you not only a sweet deal, but also a fun experience.
Firstly, avoid insulting the vendor’s products. This holds true even when the man selling jewelry tries to tell you that the plastic white beads on a bracelet are rare pearls.
Secondly, it never hurts to feign Italian descent to the older woman selling lambskin handbags.
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, knowing the appropriate time to interject troppo (too much) into the conversation can bring your total down a few Euro.
Whether you leave any Italian market with a black leather wallet, fresh tomatoes to top a salad, or even a cheese grater for one Euro, you will be sure to walk away without breaking the bank and the memory of a day well-spent.
- Contributed by Diana Palmieri. Photos by Patricia Glee Smith. Many thanks!
Thanks for the note, Diana and Patricia. I hold my breath when visiting these markets with non-Italians, some of whom think the vendor does not understand what they are saying. In Italy, forming relationships, even with someone you’ve just met, is the start of a great experience and often a lower price. That being said, planning a trip here based on local market days is great fun.
Thanks for this note. I’m reminded of my first “real” Italian market (not geared towards tourists). It was an experience, and I learned a lot just watching! I happened on it by accident, walking around Siena on a Wednesday morning. I learned a few new Italian words that day, and I am now a better maket shopper thanks to that experience. I go back in October, and I’m looking forward to further honing my market skills!
These are wonderful. They have one of these markets once a month in Perugia. So much fun to wander around and see all the “treasures” for sale!
“it never hurts to feign Italian descent to the older woman selling lambskin handbags”
You must be a very small person, I guess lying suits you. Its people like you that give Americans a bad name.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary Results
feign
to give a false appearance of : induce as a false impression – ∼. to assert as if true : pretend
A very practical and welcome article. I would add:
The magic word is “sconto?” A discount? With some good humor and a smile this word works wonders.
Please don’t touch the produce. It is considered unhygienic. Besides, it’s part of his job to select for you only the best!
Lastly, if you make an offer be prepared to accept it. This little bit of logic escapes people unaccustomed to bargaining. The novelty can be intoxicating and they just throw sums out there to see what will happen. Consider what you are truly willing to spend. Don’t make an offer you aren’t willing to pay for. It’s the height of rudeness and very confusing when you make an offer, he accepts, and then you walk away.
I’ve found that from Milano to Palermo that high manners are the order of the the day, I’m always very respectful and formal with vendors (or store clerks), a pleasant smile never hurts. Many times, if not always, being as such forms very pleasant results and friendships. When out of Italy and at my American supermarket I always feel I’m missing something vital and essential to daily life, mainly something social. Thank you for the article.
….in questo momento,Qual è il costo, is as always a good question for the vendor to ponder, it too brings often good results
Roma,
19 maggio
It would never occur to me to insult a vendor’s products. Cary Grant did that in a scene in an auction. He said, “How do we know it isn’t a fake?” A lady turned around and said, “One thing we know: you’re not a fake–you’re a genuine idiot.”