Famed chick-flick “Notting Hill” not only gave rise to a young Hugh Grant and stunning Julia Roberts in a story of forbidden and long awaited love, but also set the stage for one of London’s most thrilling outdoor markets on Portobello Road: Portobello Market.
Portobello Market is home to dozens of street vendors and antique dealers, with goods ranging from first edition Dickens to modern London souvenir shops. Although the street is short, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, it can take hours to wander through the crowds of locals and tourists and travel from one end to the other – thankfully, food vendors set up shop midway through, so if you’re feeling sluggish, you can always pick up some fresh produce or a small snack before trekking on to the 18th century jewelers at the other end of the block.
But as we know, antiques are not always wallet friendly, especially for unemployed international college students. Thus, it is essential to master the art of haggling as a means of getting that gorgeous Christmas gift for mom, or perhaps a little treat for yourself. All it takes is a bit of courage, a warm smile, and commitment to the bargain – master this, and you can double your souvenir shopping and cut the costs, saving some pence for that crepe stand you’ve been eyeing across the road. The gem you’ve been searching for through the piles of leftover British artifacts may in fact be attainable using the following 5 tips, maybe even more special than the treat Julia Roberts found behind the blue door. But probably not as handsome.
- Smile – Nobody wants to make a deal with a forceful or unhappy customer, especially in Europe when ‘the customer is always right’ rule doesn’t exactly translate to small antique vendors who are profiting solely from the sales of their treasured goods. Having a friendly attitude and maybe striking up casual conversation before talking numbers can make a huge difference in your success rate.
- Be Realistic – Don’t pick up the wedding shoes worn by Kate Middleton herself and expect to knock three zeros off the price tag (bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea). If it has significant value, respect the item and the employer by asking for a reasonable price. You’re asking for a discount, not a miracle.
- Start Low – When haggling something you truly want, start with a price that is below your limit that may seem a bit unrealistic at first. For example, when looking to pay £7 for an item priced at £10, maybe start with asking for £5.That way, if your offer is turned down the first time, you still have another chance in bargaining at a price that you are willing to pay.
- Be Persistent – If the vendor is interested in the sale, chances are he will let his guard down if you stay strong. If he is not accepting your £7 offer, give a discouraged look and continue browsing. There is a good chance that he will give another offer of some kind, or maybe even agree to your bargained price after seeing that he might lose the sale over it. Use this tactic wisely, and think about how badly you want the item before playing hard-to-get. But don’t cave for the full price before his stubborn nature is 100% clarified. After that, rethink the offered price, and don’t forget that there may be another treasure down the way that you may enjoy just as much at a cheaper price – you can always come back later.
- Be Thankful– When going through with a discounted purchase, it doesn’t hurt to be overtly thankful, especially if the experience was a positive one. Who knows if you’ll be coming back for more from this vendor, and if that is the case, a good relationship with a local can get you far, and potentially save you some money. Showing extreme appreciation will boost the employers satisfaction with the transaction, and both of you can enjoy your earnings.
Haggling applies to vendor purchases all around Europe, and in the States too for that matter. Not only on Portobello Road can you find hidden gems, although it is perfect for unique British specialties from varying time periods– but overpricing can be overcome by being polite and dedicated. It is always worth a try if the surroundings are appropriate, and who knows what treats are in store for you! And in the case you don’t get the price you wanted, think of it as a foreign splurge and good practice for the next vendor – keep your head above the crowd and push forward, making sure to treat yourself to a sale or two before heading home with a fuller wallet.