Can anyone tell me whether you bargain for a better price when you purchase pottery (cups, platters, tiles, etc.) at the small and large ceramic shops in Tuscany, or do you just pay the sticker price? <BR> <BR>Thank you.

Do you bargain in Burdine's or Lord and taylor or any other shop you go into ?

yes you will get better prices if you use cash or travelers checks also you may be able to get the price lower by having him absorb some of the shipping cost if you ship never pay sticker in the private shops use cash american cash

- <BR>Bonnie: <BR> <BR>Above poster is obviously from someone who's never visited Italy and doesn't know what they're talking about. <BR> <BR>Real answer to your question is, sometimes, yes; other times, no. My rule of thumb: never hurts to ask. It really depends upon where you are, how much you're buying, if you're paying in cash or with credit card. Not so much the size of the store --- and I'd describe most all stores in Tuscany and throughout Italy as either small or medium. They definitely aren't into the "big box" concept which is ubiquitious in the U.S.A. There are a few dept. stores in major cities. But overall Italy's a country of smaller shopkeepers. And as such, you may be able to negotiate a better pricer. They're more likely to take 10 or 15% off 'sticker price' if you're buying several items (NOT one) and when you're using lire rather than a credit card. <BR> <BR>

- <BR>My 'clueless' commentary referred to "pay" feedback, not "xxxx" who clearly has been to Italy. <BR>

Sorry to disappoint you but I have been to Italy( 8 times) . I stand by what I said, do you bargain when you go into any store at home, Shopkeepers have a right to make a fair profit. Maybe paying cash they will give you back the percentage that the credit card company charges them, but to expect anything more is demeaning to you and to them.If you can't afford something don't buy it.

in florence shopping at Peruzzi Leather they gave a 10% discount for cash and travlers checks In ceramic shops in Orvieto we we able to get better prices and shipping on hand painted artist signed pices not factory produced like in bigger city shops if you want ceramics go to orvieto J@F must never been to italy

I do bargain when I go into department stores. I just received 10% off of a nice suitcase since they didn't have the color I wanted. You'd be amazed at what you can bargain for in the US. We just are not comfortable with it. Do you bargain when you go to buy a car? What is the difference? <BR> <BR>In Italy or any other country if you should offer what you feel is a fair price for a piece. Or state what you have to spend and see if they will let it go for that. They always have the right to say no. Be polite, try to speak their language - it will get you far.

- <BR>DUH !!! First of all, 'xxxx' if you read my comments I was supporting your position. It's 'pay up' that is the compliant consumer who opens up their wallet & lets the dollars flow. Secondly I've been to Italy several times. As I previously stated, I approach shopping with the "don't hurt to ask" attitude. <BR> <BR>Except for death & taxes, EVERYTHING in life is negotiable.

I know for a fact that Italians ask for a discount in any store they are in. <BR>Doesn't matter if it is jewelery, housewares, perfumes, toys, etc. <BR>I also know that they ask for discounts in the states at all the stores they shop in (in our malls). <BR>Some give discounts, some don't. <BR>Never hurts to ask, all they can do is say no. Of course, this only apply's to those that are not to imbarassed or to proud to save a bit of money.

You can bargain for ANYTHING, ANYWHERE. That even includes a refridgerator at Sears or a dress at Nordstroms. The key is to know who you're talking to.

YIKES! Not sure why Bonnie's question raised such a rukus, especially on Fodor's. <BR>Anyway, Bonnie, in a large department store (and I dont remember too many of them being in Florence) you might not be able to get a discount by barganing. But, since almost everywhere in the world, except for the US, barganing is expected, it never hurts to ask. As stated above, by paying in cash and buying more than one item, you may be able to get some kind of discount. I did in Florence last year buying a set of dishes. <BR> <BR>BTW, even in the US I almost always bargain, or try to. From Nordstrom (I didnt like the buttons on a blazer, got them replaced for free) to TJ Max (4 Orefors champagne flutes for $16.00 because they only had 4). <BR> <BR>Good luck and have fun!

Bonnie, I found the pattern & best quality not in Deruta, but at a Chianti mfg shop. They have a full display area and offered a factory discount on the spot without me asking. However, when I tried to purchase from the US later, the factory discount no longer applied & they required payment in US dollars. Basically the price doubled. Needless to say, my dinnerware will wait until the next trip! We also got very good discounts on outstanding leather items in Gaole in Chianti. <BR> <BR>I will, on occasion, bargin in the US if a store/cataloge company doesn't have my first choice. I'm usually successful. My motto is "don't ask, don't get."

Dayle - care to share where this shop is located?

I've been scanning my memory & it just came to me. It's the Rampini Ceramics factory, they also have showrooms in Florence. They have a web site. It's not on the main Chianti highway, but some small Chianti tours stop there. I'd have to look at a map to be certain, but I think it's just off the road that goes through Castellina.

Sorry, I just checked the web site: <BR> <BR>Ceramiche Rampini <BR>Radda in Chianti 53017 <BR>0039-577-738042 <BR>0039-577-738776 FAX <BR> <BR>web: www.chianti.net/rampiniceramics <BR> <BR>They will do a certain amount of customization too if you ask. <BR> <BR>Excellent artistry.