Regional differences Bargaining

spice market djerba, tunisia.

in north america , europe bargaining restricted expensive or one-of-a-kind items (automobiles, antiques, jewelry, art, real estate, trade sales of businesses) , informal sales settings such flea markets , garage sales. in other regions of world, bargaining may norm, small commercial transactions.

in indonesia , elsewhere in asia, locals haggle goods , services everywhere street markets hotels. children learn haggle young age. participating in tradition can make foreigners feel accepted. on other hand, in thailand, haggling seems softer other countries due thai culture, in people tend humble , avoiding argument. however, haggling food items discouraged in southeast asia , considered insult, because food seen common necessity not treated tradable good.

in large complex business negotiations, amount of bargaining takes place. 1 simplified western way decide when s time bargain break negotiation 2 stages: creating value , claiming value. claiming value phrase bargaining. many cultures take offence when perceive other side having started bargaining soon. offence result of wanting first create value longer before bargain together. chinese culture contrast places higher value on taking time build business relationship before starting create value or bargain. not understanding when start bargaining has ruined many otherwise positive business negotiation.

in areas bargaining @ retail level common, option bargain depends on presence of store s owner. chain store managed clerks more use fixed pricing independent store managed owner or 1 of owner s trusted employees.

the store s ambiance may used signal whether or not bargaining appropriate. instance, comfortable , air-conditioned store posted prices not allow bargaining, stall in bazaar or marketplace may. supermarkets , other chain stores never allow bargaining. however, importance of ambiance may depend on cultural commitment bargaining. in israel, prices on day-to-day items (clothing, toiletries) may negotiable in western style store manned clerk.