HAGGLING

The Caravanserai's Bazaar (the market) is filled with many things, some rare, some strange, imports from the farthest reaches of known Gor, to our own exported goods.

Haggling is a way of life in the Tahari. It is poor form not to do so. Merchants may become offended if you are eager to pay the asking price of an item.

The asking price is what the merchant typically asks for a given item when a buyer points it out. This price is above the price of the items normal worth. Those who do not know how to haggle or do not understand the ways of the Tahari will typically pay this price.

The normal price reflects the typical cost of an item and is the expected price. A fair haggler can usually get the merchant to this price. Consider it a compromise between the asking price and the bargain price. The successful buyer may be entreated to increase the sale "Ah, an excellent price, Sir. Now, what else may I show you?"

The bargain price of an item reflects the most successful result of haggling. A merchant who is haggled down to the bargain price will most likely part with the item with a complaint "You are a thief Sir!" or "You are stealing from me!" or even a wheedling plea "You remember that it was *I* who was so good to you when next you need supplies, hmmm?"

Some things to remember--

It is difficult for a merchant to participate in more than one haggling session. If the merchant is involved with a buyer--wait your turn. It will come.

The asking price of an item may vary depending upon the merchant’s mood (a fine price, an excellent price, the price that barely feeds my companion and my ten sick children, etc.), the heat of the day, or the rarity of the item involved. Do not expect to be asked the same price should you return to purchase a similar item. In fact, being asked a different price is an excellent way to start the haggling process.

There may be times when the merchant is not inclined to lower the asking price (Hah! You insult me with your tarsk-headed ways! If you think you can do better, then go somewhere else!")--no matter how much bickering is involved. Accept it with grace and return another day.

It is also up to the merchant to decide not to haggle, especially if it looks like you may not have the asking price in hand (Why should I waste effort on a pauper who has no intention of buying, Let me see the weight of our pouch.)

To give you an example of haggling, Bassim the rug merchant has some rugs of questionable title in his market and is eager to be rid of them. His asking price will be above the price he seeks (the normal price), but he would be willing to part with his goods for less than that. His normal price is 2 Silver Tarsk, he will however ask for 3 Silver Tarsks, pointing out the rare feature of the rug (copper threaded throughout, made by the hands of virginal slaves of the hair of white kaiila, etc.). He will, if the haggler is good, part with the rugs at 1 silver tarsk and 30 copper tarsks (You have robbed me, Sir, of this finely crafted rug and possibly my good name!).

I hope this opens up your eyes to interacting with our fine vendors. Anything can be haggled for, the cost of a slave to a breakfast treat in our fine bazaar.