Bargaining or Haggling really is an Art form. If it is your first time trying it can be quite intimidating. While you do not want to get ripped-off, you also do not want to be the overly obnoxious Tourist who assumes that every price is there to be bargained down. It is a question of finding the right balance. A few tips on Do’s and Don’ts below may help you out.
How to bag yourself a Travel bargain?

• Do find out if haggling is a local custom. In some parts of the world, like here in Jordan, haggling is not only common practice, it is expected, and prices are artificially inflated accordingly.
• Do set yourself a limit. Always work out what you can afford before you start haggling and then stick to your guns.. Markets usually abound with plenty of other similar items that you can afford. So you'll always be able to find something else if the price isn't right.
• Do ask for a bulk discount. If you are buying gifts for friends and family back home, you'll usually be able to get a little extra knocked off the price if you buy more than one of any given item. So haggle down the price for one first, then pick up a second one and ask how much for both.
• Don't haggle on a price unless you are serious about buying. While the act of haggling is much like a game, to haggle on an item just for the fun of it is not advised. Once you have made an offer, you must honour it, as backing out of deal is considered shameful and will cause offence.
• Don't be aggressive. Just because the initial asking price is high, doesn't mean you are being ripped-off. Store holders will normally quote a price knowing full-well that you'll bargain it down — they'd probably be surprised if you didn't. So don't respond in an antagonistic manner. In any case, if you do, it is unlikely to get you what you want.
• Don't get too attached. Always appear disinterested in items you are haggling on; even if it is a one-of-a-kind piece that you must have. If the seller sees that you have fallen in love with an item, the asking price will automatically rise in line with your interest.
• Don't be afraid to walk away. If you genuinely believe that the asking price is too high, walk away. In any case, a ludicrously inflated price will drop as soon as you do.
• Finally, haggling is meant to be fun, so keep your perspective there's no point arguing over every last cent , and don't forget to enjoy the experience

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