Haggling & shopping

[koolkat]

I'll admit that I'm not good at negotiating prices with vendors in the DR, but I want to learn how to estimate prices without going too low so as not to offend the vendors, keeping in mind that they're trying to make a living. On the other hand, since it is a part of Dominican life, I'd really like to get better at this.

I am interested in buying some local arts and crafts, as well as the usual souvenirs - shirts, rum, hats, trinkets, etc.

I have no idea what would be considered reasonable prices (in pesos) for items like these.

[robyne2000]

I think that paying about half or just a little over what they start at is a good guide.
You must decide what you want and then pay accordingly . A scupture may be worth a hundred dollars to you if you love it and want it but I might not want to pay more than tweny dollars for that same sculpture.

[dougiej]

I agree, when the calculator comes out, half or a little over is about right. Also depends on what your buying, souveniers, the rule pretty much follows.

[Sosua Gal]

I start at 1/3 and pay NO MORE than half...also, go to Playero and look at prices of flip flops, towels, t-shirts, bottles of rum, cigars, etc...then you will know the prices and have "bartering" power.
IE You can to to the Supermarcado Playero and buy nice T-shirts for 259 Pesos- at the beach they will ask you for 1000. Pay no more that 300. See what I mean?
Also when people ask us at Checkppoint we tell them NOT to buy coffee, rum, cigars, cigarettes or Rum down there because it is cheaper to go to Super Super or the Spermarket.

There is a nice gift shop in the Plaza behind Bailey's reataurant that we send people to, called Viva Dominican Art. The owner, Roberto speaks good english and has VERY fair prices. A good idea to go there and get prices.
There is also a liquidation place in Cabarete that sells everything you see at the beach and more, for very cheap. The vendors shop there.

All in all, everyone has to make a living so be fair, but remember that it is easy to overpay, and kick yourself afterwards for not doing your homework!

Lastly, don't buy Amber or Larimar or silver at the beach. The two best places in town for that are Patricks Silversmithy and Premium Jewelry. Both are a stone's throw from Checkpoint and offer good value, excellent selection and fine service. I have known Patrick and Samantha for years and Alan at Premium Jewelry used to work at Harrison's and is a very fine designer.
When you shop at Harrison's it is for the name only and the prices are ridiculous. There is one at Breezes and in Sosua on the main drag (Pedro Clisante), so skip Harrison's and go see how far your dollar will take you at these ones!

Have fun shopping!!!

[Sosua Gal]

koolkat- if you are looking for nice Dominican Art, not the "paint by numbers" stuff you see in all the shops, especially on the beach strip, go see Roberto at Viva Dominican Art. He has some really incredible paintings and the prices range to everyone's budget.
Tell him Colleen from Checkpoint sent you and he'll give you a special discount. In no way do I get anything out of sending people there (ok, once he gave me an ashtray that I liked )
I do it because he is a fair and honest man and his stuff is really nice.
His paintings are all in fine shape too- not beaten by wind, sand and salt!
He doesn't sell "paint by numbers", either.

[loosehead]

admin said:

I start at 1/3 and pay NO MORE than half...also, go to Playero and look at prices of flip flops, towels, t-shirts, bottles of rum, cigars, etc...then you will know the prices and have "bartering" power.
IE You can to to the Supermarcado Playero and buy nice T-shirts for 259 Pesos- at the beach they will ask you for 1000. Pay no more that 300. See what I mean?
Also when people ask us at Checkppoint we tell them NOT to buy coffee, rum, cigars, cigarettes or Rum down there because it is cheaper to go to Super Super or the Spermarket.

There is a nice gift shop in the Plaza behind Bailey's reataurant that we send people to, called Viva Dominican Art. The owner, Roberto speaks good english and has VERY fair prices. A good idea to go there and get prices.
There is also a liquidation place in Cabarete that sells everything you see at the beach and more, for very cheap. The vendors shop there.

All in all, everyone has to make a living so be fair, but remember that it is easy to overpay, and kick yourself afterwards for not doing your homework!

Lastly, don't buy Amber or Larimar or silver at the beach. The two best places in town for that are Patricks Silversmithy and Premium Jewelry. Both are a stone's throw from Checkpoint and offer good value, excellent selection and fine service. I have known Patrick and Samantha for years and Alan at Premium Jewelry used to work at Harrison's and is a very fine designer.
When you shop at Harrison's it is for the name only and the prices are ridiculous. There is one at Breezes and in Sosua on the main drag (Pedro Clisante), so skip Harrison's and go see how far your dollar will take you at these ones!

Have fun shopping!!!

[loosehead]

Hi:
John and I (Nancy) have vacationed in Sosua for three consecutive winters. I love Larimar and silver and agree with Colleen in educating yourself firstly about prices. John and I found a small jewellery shop around the corner from The Atlantico restaurant - on a side street off Pedro Clistante. The shop is owned by an older Dominican gentleman - who used to live in Montreal and will do custom work and you pick it up in a day or two. He is honest, reasonable and eager to help. I picked out a piece of larimar that he made into a pendant and I just love it. Try him out.

[koolkat]

Thanks so much for your replies and suggestions. I'm going to check out the stores that you've recommended and learn more as I go. I'm not a big shopper, but it's good to know some benchmarks when trying to figure out how much certain items are worth. I had a ball in Cabarete three years ago at the Liquidation Center. That's pretty much where I bought all of our souvenirs. I was warned by a couple of locals about the paint by number "art", but appreciate your warnings, too. I'd like to buy some art and pottery right from the sources (we're booked for a couple of tours). Only a month to go. I'm so excited it's hard concentrating on work these days as the temps drop below 0 C. Muchas gracias!!

[Sosua Gal]

You're welcome, koolkat! Anytime!