How to Negotiate in Guatemala's Artisan Markets

Traveling to Guatemala is a wonderful experience and part of that experience is bringing back souvenirs of your trip. While it is true that things are dirt cheap in Guatemala, you will find that simply because you are a tourist, the prices go sky high on the simplest of items. It may not seem like a lot in dollars, but you can get far more for your money if you know how to negotiate.

First of all, if you are buying in an artisan's market, be aware that you will need to pay more than you would if you simply bought on the street. The reason for this is that the vendors pay high rent to have a stall in these areas and the street vendors pay nothing. That being said, there is no reason to accept the first price given, it certainly isn't expected if you do!

The majority of the vendors double the numbers they truly expect to get from you. This is especially true of larger items such as hammocks, blankets, etc. You should have a general idea of what you want to pay ahead of time, but always be willing to walk away. Even if it is something you really, really like, there are probably fifty other vendors selling the same thing. You can check out prices around the market and then go back to the best one.

Negotiating is a fine art. First, you should look at a few different items. Ask the price for each one and then go back to the thing you really want. Ask again how much. The vendor will probably lower the price a little and then ask you how much you want to pay. Even if you aren't asked, it is expected that you will respond with a lower price.

The first price given is usually ridiculously high. Counter with a ridiculously low offer and you will get something closer to what is the real price. For example, if you are told that a baby dress is worth 200 quetzals and you respond with 50, the vendor will most likely drop to somewhere between Q100-150 and you can go from there. Negotiate back and forth in 5-10 quetzal increments.

Vendors also have assorted tactics to raise the price. For example, they will tell you that something is handmade or that it has been imported, that the materials are quite expensive, etc. This is par for the course. You can respond with things like, "Well, it's too big to fit in my suitcase, anyway." Or "hmmm, I don't know. The color doesn't go with my living room." This will usually bring the price down a bit more. If you want more than one item, throw that into the mix. Ask if you can have a discount if you buy two or more. This is almost always a good tactic for dropping the price further and is a good way to buy in bulk!

If you don't think you are getting a good deal, thank the vendor and walk away. If the deal was truly poor, he will most likely call out after you, "Okay, okay, I give you your price!" In which case, it is completely acceptable to turn around and buy it. Don't feel guilty, the vendors may act like they are losing money, but they would never make a deal that they don't profit from!

Negotiating for beautiful pieces of Guatemalan art and textiles is part of the fun of traveling to this lovely country. There is no reason not to enjoy it.