Market ettiquette
 

What is the correct ettiquette for shopping in the outdoor markets. Do you bargain or are prices set?

Are you talking about food markets or flea markets?

I've never bargained at a food market, but certainly have at flea markets.

All the markets I've been to have fixed prices. One thing to remember: don't touch anything before you buy!

A very nice thing with the produce vendors is that they can tell you exactly when fruit will be ripe for eating--you can specify "I want a melon to eat at dinner tonight" and the vendor will choose one that will be just right.

I was thinking more of the flea markets. But are the markets on "market day" a mix of both food and flea? Is it accepted that you are expected to bargain like in Turkey ,etc.

Hi judy,

A sort of rule of thumb is that if there is a sign telling all and sundry the price, that is the price.

If it has a little tag, bargain.

Sometimes, at the end of the day, as they pack up to leave and you see something you like, ask for a lower price. It's one less thing for them to pack away.

Ettiquette and marker appearing in the same line, a world first I'm sure.

If it's food you can't really argue unless you're buying sufficient quantities. As for objet d'art, you haggle as you do in any antique shop/market. Don't worry about offending people - you're just another person - don't take anything personally.

Thanks,all. I think I get it now.

Definitely bargain at flea markets. I had fun doing this at the flea market in the Cours Saleya in Nice. I highly doubt you're going to offend any seller unless you offer him/her an absurdly lowball price.

For food at markets, you could always ask, especially if you're going to buy a large quantity of something.

There are some markets that are a melange of food and flea. Marche Aligre in Paris is one. Vanves has both food and antiquities markets, but they are kept separated.