The dazzling souks of Marrakesh are teeming with beautiful objects to become taken home; colourful spices, walls of brightly lit lanterns, and radiantly patterned ceramics, for starters. They could set you back a lot of money elsewhere but these simple haggling tips will get you a fair price plus some unique purchases. Just remember to leave space inside your suitcase.
What to know before you begin shopping
Marrakesh is the beating heart of Morocco; traders originate from from coast to coast, many of them with workshops within their hometowns. Different souks will specialize in different products; for example, in the Souq Haddadine, you'll be able to see blacksmiths at work and purchase from them. Marrakesh specifically is known for spices; they are locally produced and sold by the bag. There's also quite a bit of Berber influence in the markets. A nomadic people living primarily in places such as the Sahara and Atlas Mountains, their rich culture of craftsmanship and style is seen all over the souks in such things as colourful bread baskets, hand-woven rugs, and silver jewelry, with many coming directly from the Berber tribes.
A thing of warning concerning the main tourist souks away from Djemaa El Fna. It may feel very overwhelming and claustrophobic, and though the stalls are “outside,” the pathways between them are covered. GPS doesn't work particularly well, then when guides say “get lost within the souks,” it's a really literal suggestion. Expect intense smells, vivid colours, winding narrow lanes and, perhaps most overwhelmingly, the holler of each and every shopkeeper that catches sight individuals, waving you down into their shops.
While it may get frustrating constantly being badgered by all the peddlers, but remaining civil is very important. Competition is intense, and also you must remember this is their livelihood. Instead of ignoring the shopkeepers or saying something rude, you can say:
“I'll let you know after i find something”
“I require a minute to appear around”
“Do you mind giving us a few minutes to determine the stuff?”
If you do not plan to stop, just keep walking and provide them a polite smile along with a shake of the head, you will be amazed at how often you'll get a laughing wave back!
How to haggle
Until you become an experienced expert, it's easier to let the shopkeeper begin the numbers game so you have a foundation to work with. After choosing something like, they will likely begin with an absurdly large number, probably in euros. It's a number they don't expect to receive, just as you'll respond with a number so low every time they visit you uncomfortable.
However you will be going up by increments of EUR1-2 and they're going to be reducing their asking price by 5s and 10s. The aim, eventually, would be to meet around the center mark after their second response offer. For instance, you'll see a shawl that you want to buy, and they're going to say it's EUR40. You are able to say you'll only purchase it for EUR3. The particular price for any scarf could be between EUR5-10.
An example negotiation could go such as this:
It is easier to negotiate if you are buying several item. For example, to purchase one scarf you can get the price to maybe EUR7-8, but if you are buying four, it's much easier to get them right down to EUR5 each.
It's important not to be aggressive. In case your seller isn't providing you with the price you want, walk away. Likely that will be the trigger to allow them to provide you with a better settling price, and when not, there are many other shops to test. It's also poor etiquette to agree with a cost, however convince you and won't purchase.
Understanding quality is important; if a person shopkeeper said he will sell you lanterns for EUR2 each, but another shopkeeper refuses to sell his lanterns below EUR15, get a sense of the standard; the EUR15 lantern is probably made brass instead of tin. Shopkeepers won't compromise as much on their own quality products, which is an insult to the craft to keep on insisting on the lower price.
Don't worry if you feel uncomfortable, especially beginning. Haggling is the culture of Morocco, this is an expectation, as well as an experience of and of itself. If you happen to wander through less touristy areas, you'll likely see locals haggling in French or Arabic too, carrying baskets around to gather their groceries. The biggest difference you will see would be the goods; kettles, electric fans, and piles of t-shirts and jeans.
What to purchase in Marrakesh
Lanterns
This could be tricky, so it's best to feel around before you choose. Aluminum lanterns are the cheapest however they are breakable and poor quality. Many are painted to look like brass or copper, but if you appear closely, you can see the paint chipping off on a tin base. Actual brass lanterns will not be painted, they will be heavier, and also the lever will open much smoother.
The plethora of lanterns available is spectacular, so the below is for a small lantern:
Ceramics
Likely a great way is to negotiate the price of the most expensive ceramic (salad bowl or dinner plate) and when buying a price for your, negotiate an entire set. The better-quality ceramics originate from Safi and Fez, and therefore are much thicker and often ridged when compared to poorer quality ceramics that are thin and tend to shatter.
For a single large Safi plate:
For a 6 piece set (price will vary according to quality):
Tagine
You cannot leave Marrakesh without trying tagine, whether in a restaurant or in your riad. You are able to collect decorative tagines for as low as a EUR1, to EUR20 for an authentic clay one to cook with.
Cooking tagine for two:
Scarves
The scarves in Marrakech tend to be made in India; the sellers might say it is an authentic Berber scarf, or that they are made of 'cactus silk,' but those claims are false; Berber scarves tend to be indigo-dyed cotton, simple and without patterns, and fairly inexpensive. The colourful patterned scarves in the marketplace are imported and mass-produced from India.
If however you have it in your heart to buy one, use this guide:
Babouches
These are extremely popular leather slippers sold in Marrakesh, if you have to be careful to buy authentic leather and not fabric babouches.
Leather babouches:
Thuya wood items
Carved from trees in the Southern region, you can purchase lots of beautiful thuya wood items, like hand carved chess-boards with swinging compartments to hold the pieces. Wooden chess boards such as this would cost a lot of money elsewhere, however in Marrakesh you can get them for a fraction of the cost, as well as see them make it.
Wooden chess board:
There are lots of items you can buy that aren't on this list; baskets, silver jewelry, mirrors, and so forth. A good guideline is to offer them 10% of their original offer, and settle approximately that and their second counter-offer. Eventually you'll build up understanding of prices and quality, and you will be haggling just like a Moroccan in no time.
Related articles:
Where to consider a break from Marrakesh's medina
Where to look in Marrakesh
Makers of Morocco: finding local crafts and their creators in Fez
How to become a responsible traveller in Marrakesh
Hidden Marrakesh: a guide to the city's best-kept secrets
