Travel & Culture - Smart Shopping: Understanding Local Practices (Intermediate)

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up)

Let's discuss savvy shopping in different cultural contexts!

When shopping in a new country or a local market, what are some initial observations you might make about how transactions are conducted?
Is bargaining or haggling common in your culture? In what situations is it acceptable or expected? How might this differ elsewhere?
Besides the price, what other factors might be important to consider when purchasing souvenirs or local products (e.g., authenticity, ethical sourcing, return policies)?

Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary)

Here are some key terms and phrases for understanding local shopping practices at an intermediate level.

1. Bargain / Haggle (verb): To discuss the price of something in an attempt to make it lower.

Example: "In many traditional markets, it's customary to Bargain for a better price."

2. Fixed price (noun phrase): A price that is set and not open to negotiation or bargaining.

Example: "Most items in department stores have a Fixed price, so haggling is not appropriate."

3. Authentic (adjective): Genuine, real; not a copy or imitation.

Example: "Travelers often seek Authentic local crafts rather than mass-produced souvenirs."

4. Receipt (noun): A piece of paper confirming that money has been paid for goods or services.

Example: "Always ask for a Receipt, especially for more expensive purchases, in case you need to return something."

5. Return policy (noun phrase): The rules a store has for accepting back and giving refunds or exchanges for items customers have purchased.

Example: "Before buying, it's a good idea to inquire about the store's Return policy."

6. Window shopping (verb phrase/noun phrase): The activity of looking at goods displayed in shop windows without intending to buy them.

Example: "We spent the afternoon just Window shopping and enjoying the atmosphere of the old town."

Activity 3: Reading - Souvenir Hunting with Awareness 📖

Read this story about a traveler navigating local shopping customs.

Liam was exploring a vibrant outdoor market in a foreign city, hoping to find some Authentic souvenirs. He had read that it was common to Bargain for prices here, unlike the department stores back home which usually had a Fixed price for everything. He approached a stall selling colorful textiles. After admiring a scarf, he politely asked the vendor for the price. When the vendor quoted a price, Liam, remembering the local custom, offered a slightly lower price, initiating a friendly Haggle. They went back and forth a couple of times before agreeing on a price that both seemed happy with. Liam made sure to get a Receipt for his purchase, just in case.

Later, Liam was interested in a more expensive ceramic piece from a small boutique. He asked the shopkeeper if the price was negotiable. The shopkeeper explained that her items had a Fixed price due to the artist's work involved, but she could offer a small discount if he bought two pieces. Liam appreciated her honesty. Before making a decision, he also asked about the store's Return policy, as it was a fragile item. He also spent some time just Window shopping, observing what was on offer and how locals interacted with vendors. He realized that smart shopping abroad wasn't just about getting the best price, but also about understanding and respecting local practices, ensuring purchases were Authentic, and being aware of practicalities like receipts and return policies.

Questions about the Story:

Answer these questions:

What did Liam understand about pricing in the outdoor market compared to department stores?
Describe how Liam engaged in bargaining at the textile stall.
Why did the ceramic boutique have a fixed price for its items, according to the shopkeeper?
What two practical things did Liam inquire about or ensure he received for his purchases?
What was Liam's broader understanding of "smart shopping" after his experiences?

Activity 4: Role Play - At a Local Artisan Shop 🎭

Let's pretend! One person is Ms. Chloe Dubois (Tourist), and the other is Mr. Omar Hassan (Shopkeeper).

Ms. Chloe Dubois: Good afternoon! Your shop is lovely. These handmade potteries are beautiful.

Mr. Omar Hassan: Good afternoon, madam! Thank you. Yes, they are all Authentic pieces, made by local artisans.

Ms. Chloe Dubois: I really like this vase. What is the price for this one? Is it a Fixed price, or is it acceptable to Bargain a little?

Mr. Omar Hassan: For this particular artist's work, the prices are generally fixed, as we try to ensure they receive a fair amount. However, for you, perhaps a very small discount if you are taking multiple items.

Ms. Chloe Dubois: I understand. It's important that the items are Authentic. Before I decide, what is your Return policy if I find a defect later?

Mr. Omar Hassan: We check every piece carefully, but if you find a genuine defect within 7 days and have your Receipt, we can offer an exchange or a refund.

Ms. Chloe Dubois: That's good to know. I'm also just enjoying some Window shopping today to see what's available in the area.

Mr. Omar Hassan: Please, take your time! We want you to find something you truly love. Even if you just Haggle a little for fun on some smaller items, we enjoy the interaction!

Ms. Chloe Dubois: Thank you. I appreciate your honesty about the Fixed price for the artist's work. I'll definitely get a Receipt if I purchase.

Mr. Omar Hassan: Of course. We always provide a receipt.

Let's Talk About It:

After you read, talk about this:

Why did Mr. Hassan say the price for the pottery was generally fixed?
What did Ms. Dubois make sure to ask about before potentially buying the vase, besides the price?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Market Negotiations ✍️

Help Kenji (Tourist) complete his part of a conversation with a Market Vendor. Use words and phrases from Activity 2!

Market Vendor: Hello, sir! Beautiful scarves, best quality! Take a look!

Kenji (Tourist): They are very nice. Is this one an local design? What's your best price?

Market Vendor: Yes, authentic silk, handmade! For you, special price, $30.

Kenji (Tourist): That's a bit more than I was expecting. Is it okay to a little, or is this a ?

Market Vendor: For you, because you have a good eye, we can talk. What is your offer?

Kenji (Tourist): (After some discussion) Okay, we agree on $25. Can I get a for this? And what is your if there's a problem?

Market Vendor: For market sales, it's usually final, but here is your receipt. I'm sure you'll love it. Perhaps you'd like to continue at my other stall?

Kenji (Tourist): Maybe later, thank you!

Show Answers! (Activity 5) ✨