How to Bargain in the Souks
In Marrakech’s souks, bargaining is more than a way to shop; it’s how you find fair prices, share a laugh, and build connections.
Words By Joy Grant
Photos by Rania
My first bargaining experience was an experiment. I needed to know what to expect in a low-stakes environment. My main goal was to buy a rug on this trip, but I couldn’t practice bargaining on the rug, so when the first rug shop invited me in, I accepted. I wasn’t particularly blown away by their options, but I didn’t need to be. I let them know that I was just looking and getting a sense of prices. He pulled out the first rug, and immediately, I asked how much, underestimating how intricate this exchange was about to become. From there, a show began, and I was in for a masterclass of showmanship.
Before I knew it, two additional workers surrounded me, each pulling out a few rugs to be exhibited. I stood in the middle of the room as red, yellow, and blue rugs began unfurling on the ground. “This one’s wool, touch it.” “This is crafted with aloe leaves.” Finally, the boss and original showman stepped in. “Name your price,” he said, handing me a pad of paper and a pen.
And this is where I’ll give my first and most important bargaining tip:
Tip #1
Know exactly how much you want to pay
- Visit stores with set prices. Ensemble Artisanal is a great option.
- Watch YouTube and TikTok videos to see what other people have paid.
- If you don’t enjoy bargaining, only shop at places where prices are clearly displayed.
This way, you’re not caught off guard when someone hands you a pen and tells you to make the first move.
This is exactly where I found myself, pen in hand, eyes wide, trying to remember everything I’d read. Semi-confident, I jotted down my number and handed the pad back face down. He wasn’t the only one who could be dramatic. Turning over the paper, his eyes got almost as big as mine before he chuckled and handed my pad back with a number almost triple what mine was. We were both in the business of shocking each other, it would seem.
Tip #2
Stay calm when you see the counteroffer; highballing is part of the game.
- Keep your cool, counter with your own number, or be ready to walk away. Don’t take it personally; it’s not about tricking you, it’s a cultural performance
- As a rule of thumb, counter about ⅔ or ½ of their price, depending on how firm you want to be. Offering half will likely end the back and forth, and you’ll either get the price or walk away.
We went back and forth on pricing a couple of times before I realized that we wouldn’t be able to come to an agreement. So I said my goodbyes and turned to leave. As I was walking out, he followed and made his actual final offer, stating that since I was his first customer of the day, he would make it easy for both of us. And while I didn’t accept it, this interaction prepped me for many bargain wars to come.
Tip #3
Be okay with walking away.
- If the price doesn’t match your expectations or you’re not a fan of the vibe, leave.
- Knowing your limit and your budget makes this decision easier.
- Sometimes walking away can get you the best offer or just peace of mind.
The rest of my time in the Medina was filled with ease. The sounds and smells of the market became charming and quaint. The shopkeeper who helped me find my bearings when lost became a friend and hosted me for tea with his daughter. And when packing to leave, I had to reorganize my bags four times to get everything to fit (mainly my two rugs!). The Medina had stayed the same, but the chaos had shaped me into someone who could embrace peace despite the noise.
A Few Final Souk Survival Tips
- Don’t fall for the “one-day-only” show: If someone invites you to a special “Berber” presentation that’s only happening today, odds are it’ll happen tomorrow too. It’s part performance, part persuasion. But also a good opportunity to find out about other souks you may not have visited yet.
- Shopping during the morning is usually calmer, and when you can get better deals, people often want to start with a sale early in the day to get the ball rolling.
