Vietnam Survival Guide: Bargaining 101

As an international traveler exploring a local market, you might overhear previous customers getting a great deal on a conical hat. Filled with excitement, you decide to try on one of the most Vietnam-ish pieces of fashion, only to find that the price quoted to you is significantly higher.

In this situation, you’ll likely need to switch into “bargaining” mode, as it’s common for prices to vary for different customers. Don’t be afraid, this guide is here to help you. Here’s how to approach bargaining with respect, strategy, and a win-win mindset.

The Role of Bargaining in Vietnamese Culture

Bargaining is deeply embedded in Vietnamese daily life. It’s not just about saving a few thousand Đồng; it’s about creating a balance between what a seller wants to earn and what you, as a buyer, are willing to pay. This practice is especially prevalent in local markets, where everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods is up for negotiation. For sellers, bargaining is a vital part of making a living. For buyers, it offers the chance to secure fair prices while engaging in a culturally rich interaction.

Remember, negotiating in Vietnam is not about winning at the expense of the other party, but about arriving at a fair exchange that reflects the market value.

Prepare Yourself with Market Research

Before you even step foot into a market, it pays to do a bit of homework. This doesn’t mean you need to memorize the price of every item, but it helps to have a general sense of what things cost. You can get this information in a few ways:

Look Around: Compare prices from various vendors selling similar products. This gives you a rough idea of what the going rate is.

Ask Others: If you notice residents purchasing similar items, casually inquire about their prices. This can provide you with a trustworthy reference point. Young people, in particular, tend to be friendly and willing to help.

Online Research: Use the internet to check prices of certain items before you go to a market. You can also look up standard prices for goods in Vietnam to avoid being overcharged.

Be Polite, Be Respectful

The most successful bargainers in Vietnam are those who approach the transaction with politeness and respect. The culture values face-to-face communication, and haggling can quickly turn sour if it feels confrontational or disrespectful. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Smile and Be Friendly: Building rapport with the seller goes a long way. A friendly attitude shows that you’re not here to argue, but to reach a mutual agreement.

Use Basic Vietnamese Phrases: While many vendors speak some level of English, using simple Vietnamese greetings like “Xin chào” (hello) or “Cảm ơn” (thank you) or maybe some advanced phrases as “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much does it cost?) and “Giảm giá được không?” (Can you give me a discount?). Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, attempting to speak the language often earns you goodwill from the seller.

Know How to Start

Once you have a sense of the price range, approach the vendor with a warm smile and a positive attitude, and here’s how to start:

Make Good Arguments: This is where experience comes into play: understanding what’s fair and what’s not. Don’t hesitate to offer a lower price; it’s part of the process. Keep in mind that bargaining is part of their business strategy, and their initial prices are typically designed to allow for negotiation.

Offer Lower Than the Asking Price: Start with a price that’s half of what the seller has quoted, it may seem extreme, but it’s quite a common starting point in Vietnam. There’s a high chance that the sales are anything but acceptable, then gradually increase the price to the limit of what you prefer.

Avoid Mentioning Other Vendors: While it might be tempting to say, “I saw it for less at another shop,” avoid doing so. It’s often seen as rude and might negatively impact the negotiation.

Know When to Walk Away

Sometimes, the best way to handle a bargain is simply say “Không, cảm ơn” (No, thank you) and walk away. If you feel that the price isn’t right or that the seller isn’t willing to meet you halfway, don’t hesitate to politely end the negotiation. Many times, when you begin to walk away, the vendor may call you back with a new offer. This is a natural part of the bargaining in Vietnam.

If they don’t, no hard feelings. Just move on and try another vendor. Remember, there’s always another deal to be had in a market full of options.

Get Fun, Get Experienced

At its core, bargaining is a form of human connection. It’s an opportunity to engage with locals, learn about their lives, and appreciate their craft. Take the time to chat with the vendor, ask about their products, and learn the stories behind them.

So, next time you’re at a local market, take a deep breath, smile, and try your hand at the local bargaining. You might just walk away with more than just a good deal—a deeper understanding of the culture, too.