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FOR SOME, haggling is an innate art form, but for others, it is a dreaded factor of buying items without a set price.
So what are the items people feel most inclined to haggle over? And more importantly, who is winning these fan-dangled wangles?
According to a recent study conducted by shopping platform Picodi, Columbians enjoy haggling the most around the globe, with 86 percent claiming to get a buzz out of it.
Within the Asian nations polled in the survey, it is the Singaporeans who win the haggling game with their keen negotiating skills. Sixty-six percent said they enjoyed bartering down the price of their intended item.
Out of 3,100 people surveyed, from 27 countries across the globe, males proved to get the most enjoyment out of haggling, however, it is females who are most successful in bartering as they receive an average of 18 percent off the original asking price.
There are numerous factors involved in setting up and executing a brilliant bargain. The study doesn’t deny that emotional intelligence, being able to read body language and assess a situation all contribute towards being a successful haggler.
Yet, it found that those from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and United States preferred to be more direct and negotiate in frank terms. While this can often save time, it can also cause friction and lead to confrontation.
However, some Asian nations believe it has more to do with gender bias than having good negotiating skills.
Fifty-six percent of Filipinos think it is easier for women to drive a hard bargain based on their gender, and only 17 percent of Indonesians think there is gender equality in haggling.
Taking gender and looks a step further, the study digs deep into how attractiveness influences haggling. 46 percent of survey respondents admitted good looks could sometimes have a bearing on how successful a negotiation is.
But there is more to attractiveness than just someone’s exterior. Having an air of charm about you, keeping good hygiene, smiling and being mindful all help to secure that bargain price.
Country by country, however, it appears the Philippines and India are less likely to submit to the power of appearance, whereas in Western cultures the seller can be seduced into offering a low price by a beautiful haggler.
Most interestingly perhaps, is what different nations are most willing to haggle for. Malaysians appear to barter the most with taxi drivers for a lower fare, whereas Australians are all about getting bargain antiques.
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Seventy-four percent of Filipinos and 65 percent of Indonesians are willing to barter for clothes. But bargain-basement precious jewels take the lead in India as 71 percent said they would haggle down the price when purchasing jewelry.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Haggling in South East Asia https://t.co/wnuXvQNGEY
Each nation has its own cultural faux pas when it comes to haggling, but often enough, the same rules apply in any barter.
Just remember not to be shy and do a little research on your purchase beforehand, unless it’s a tourist souvenir. Also, always be nice and never get personal. Get straight on the charm offensive and if you consider yourself witty by nature, then use it to secure what you want.
The post Haggling is an art form, but who does it best? appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com