Sadly, in Playa I have ended up shopping at the more formal stores, with less authentic items and higher prices. Why? Because bartering for a ceramic lizard, so to speak, is just annoying at some point.

I guess it depends on what you are buying and the cost. Ceramic lizards, are they worth bargaining for? Not to me. But if I am going to spend over $100 or $200 or more on 925 silver and precious stone designed jewelry, then yes, it certainly is expected and worth it to bargain in the independently-owned shops.