I know that in Europe...
#27
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Waring
Two a day without fail but she does have a nasty sniffle.
Do you know how much coconuts are going for in our forrest clearing? they are worth at least 4 sea shells - I wouldn't want you to think that I had sold you short!
Two a day without fail but she does have a nasty sniffle.
Do you know how much coconuts are going for in our forrest clearing? they are worth at least 4 sea shells - I wouldn't want you to think that I had sold you short!
#28
In France and in Greece I have asked the same question at antique stores and flea markets that I ask in the US: "Is this your best price?" The price almost always comes down.
Many flea market dealers in Paris, especially those at the permanent stalls at the Clignancourt market, accept credit cards.
At a pottery shop in Athens, the woman in the shop offered a discount for several items, then another discount for cash.
Many flea market dealers in Paris, especially those at the permanent stalls at the Clignancourt market, accept credit cards.
At a pottery shop in Athens, the woman in the shop offered a discount for several items, then another discount for cash.
#29
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Actually you can bargain in Greece, which is in the EU, especially in the small shops on the islands or in a town like Delphi. Two weeks agoI was offered 10% discounts at several jewellery stores on Rhodes if I paid cash. However, I certainly wouldn't try to bargain at Cartier in Athens.
I think you may try to bargain at independently owned shops in Italy, France, or Spain. It couldn't hurt to try, especially if the shop owner is having a bad day selling. Several years ago, my mother contemplated over a ring in a shop in Prague. The owner offered her a discount in order to cinch the deal.
The Great and Powerful Thingorjus
I think you may try to bargain at independently owned shops in Italy, France, or Spain. It couldn't hurt to try, especially if the shop owner is having a bad day selling. Several years ago, my mother contemplated over a ring in a shop in Prague. The owner offered her a discount in order to cinch the deal.
The Great and Powerful Thingorjus
#30
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Thanks Nora for the good advice regarding getting a receipt for cash purchases, I didn't think about that.
Markrosy, I have not heard of Dark Heart of Italy. Sounds interesting, since I am going to book store today I will take a peek at it.
Markrosy, I have not heard of Dark Heart of Italy. Sounds interesting, since I am going to book store today I will take a peek at it.
#31
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10% off isn't bargaining. Ten percent of the TOTAL, now that's bargaining.
There are places in the US that offer a discount for cash, or a surcharge for credit, but it is absolutely against the rules of the credit card company, and merchants can have their accounts yanked if they do it.
There are places in the US that offer a discount for cash, or a surcharge for credit, but it is absolutely against the rules of the credit card company, and merchants can have their accounts yanked if they do it.
#32
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nanabee
its by a British journalist who is posted to Italy and basically recounts his experiences of every day life in Italy - ie what normal Italians put up with.
Its far better than the usual - I bought I house on the hill in Tuscany and now I'm wrining about it novel!
BTW all you US tourists - I run retail businesses in the Uk and a comment like getting a discount on a slow day to me is appalling.
Tipping in restaurants is a concept that I am unable to comprehend - along with many Europeans. However, in the US I understand the pay structure so I do it. When in Europe it may be an idea to appreciate our local business culture - knocking a shop owner down on a slow day - IMO is as low as it gets!
its by a British journalist who is posted to Italy and basically recounts his experiences of every day life in Italy - ie what normal Italians put up with.
Its far better than the usual - I bought I house on the hill in Tuscany and now I'm wrining about it novel!
BTW all you US tourists - I run retail businesses in the Uk and a comment like getting a discount on a slow day to me is appalling.
Tipping in restaurants is a concept that I am unable to comprehend - along with many Europeans. However, in the US I understand the pay structure so I do it. When in Europe it may be an idea to appreciate our local business culture - knocking a shop owner down on a slow day - IMO is as low as it gets!
#33
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I agree and I intentionally shop at locally owned businesses and knowingly pay extra to support community owned shops rather than something like Wal-Mart.
I believe in the long run I actually save money. If my local book store owner (who may charge me an extra few dollars) goes out of business and I end up driving 20 miles away to Barnes and Noble I have spent just as much on gas.
I believe in the long run I actually save money. If my local book store owner (who may charge me an extra few dollars) goes out of business and I end up driving 20 miles away to Barnes and Noble I have spent just as much on gas.
#35
Keep in mind that in France, the inventor the the chip card, the VI/MC commission is the lowest in the world. Always under 1% and often as low as 0.5%. So paying with a credit card will not scare any of the merchants as it does in countries with 3% commission.
#37
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nanabee - I hope you enjoy it - you get two of life's great flavours in one book - the English dry sense of humour and the Italian sense of Opera - if you like the genre (ie non pretentious Italian everyday life) -
ALSO try : "Vroom with a view" - driving round Italian on a 1960s Vespa
and "The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro" the story of a lowly Italian soccer team that makes it to their top division of superstars - very well written by an American journalist
- both books have greast characterisation and are in the can't put down class.
ALSO try : "Vroom with a view" - driving round Italian on a 1960s Vespa
and "The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro" the story of a lowly Italian soccer team that makes it to their top division of superstars - very well written by an American journalist
- both books have greast characterisation and are in the can't put down class.
#40
markrosee,
where did you get that chicken?
the "best " commercial layers produce about 300 a year, and are then thrown away. That's less than one a day. our marans only manage about 1/2 that. [and we don't throw them out, we eat them].
I'm trying to read the dark heart of italy, but finding it a bit heavy going.
In my experience, it is possible to bargain in antique/junk shops in europe, but apart from markets, [and car boot sales of course, but that's another story] but that's about it.
regards, ann
where did you get that chicken?
the "best " commercial layers produce about 300 a year, and are then thrown away. That's less than one a day. our marans only manage about 1/2 that. [and we don't throw them out, we eat them].
I'm trying to read the dark heart of italy, but finding it a bit heavy going.
In my experience, it is possible to bargain in antique/junk shops in europe, but apart from markets, [and car boot sales of course, but that's another story] but that's about it.
regards, ann