Are there specific items where haggling is more common in Russia
The Ultimate Guide to Haggling in Russian: Master Phrases and Cultural Insights: Are there specific items where haggling is more common in Russia
Haggling in Russia is mainly common and acceptable in open-air markets, bazaars, flea markets, and among private individual sellers. In regular retail stores and most shops, prices are fixed, and employees typically do not have the authority to negotiate or reduce prices. Haggling is also common when buying used goods or cars from private sellers. In large cities, haggling in markets still exists but is less frequent than before.
Common settings where haggling happens in Russia:
- Open-air markets and bazaars where vendors freely set prices.
- Flea markets such as Udelnaya Flea Market in St. Petersburg.
- Private person-to-person trades, including secondhand goods and cars.
- Some local markets selling fruits, vegetables, spices, and crafts.
Items typically haggled over:
- Used goods (clothing, electronics, vehicles).
- Handmade crafts or souvenirs at markets.
- Certain fresh produce and street market goods.
- Sometimes services or secondhand sales.
Cultural aspects of haggling:
- It is not common in regular retail stores.
- Politeness and persistence can help in negotiating a discount.
- Russian shoppers may simply buy elsewhere if the price seems too high.
- Haggling is seen as a normal part of market culture but not in formal shops.
This situation reflects a common understanding across sources that bargaining is generally limited to informal market environments and private sellers rather than conventional shops or supermarkets in Russia. 1, 2, 3, 4