How do I bargain in the souks (step by step)?

Bargaining in Morocco isn't a battle, it's a social ritual — and once you relax into it, it's genuinely fun. Step one, before you say a word: look at the item, decide privately what it's actually worth to you, and set a firm ceiling. The single biggest mistake I see is travellers falling visibly in love; the moment the seller sees your eyes light up, your negotiating power evaporates. Stay friendly but a little casual, as if you could take it or leave it.

Step two, get their opening price, then make your counter low — I usually start at around 30–40% of what they quoted, said with a smile, not an insult. They'll act wounded; that's the theatre, play along and laugh. Step three, move up in small increments while they come down in big ones, and use the gap between you to find the middle. Naming a single firm number — 'I can do 300, that's honestly my limit' — and then going quiet is powerful. Mention you've seen it cheaper elsewhere (you probably have) without being aggressive about it.

Step four, the walkaway, which is your strongest tool. If you reach your ceiling and they won't meet it, thank them warmly and start to leave. Genuinely walk — don't fake it. Nine times out of ten, if your number was anywhere near fair, you'll hear 'okay, okay, final price!' before you've gone ten metres. If they don't call you back, your offer was probably below their real cost, so either go a touch higher or let it go. The mint tea, by the way, is hospitality, not a contract — drink it, enjoy it, and you're still free to walk.

A few honest manners. Don't haggle hard over tiny sums — squeezing the last 10 MAD out of a craftsman over a 20-dirham item isn't a win, it's mean. Once you've named a price and they accept it, you're morally committed to buy, so don't open with numbers you won't honour. Bargaining works on crafts, rugs, leather, lanterns and clothing; it does not apply to food, pharmacies, supermarkets, or anything with a printed price tag. And carry small notes — 'I only have 250' is a lot more persuasive when it's visibly true.