Whether you're scrounging around at the local flea markets or hunting for treasures in bazaars around the world, you can strike a great deal if you know how to play the game. Hone your skills with these ten tips from "The Fearless Shopper":

1. Try to relax and have fun. It's a game, not a confrontation.

2. Comparison shop. Know the relative value of an item before haggling, to get a feel of the market. Observe how much the locals are buying and paying for items.

3. Before you bargain for anything, decide "What is this worth to me?" and "What is the most I am willing to pay?" Then ask the price. That way you'll know how much bargaining room you have.

4. If a merchant asks an absurd price, offer an equally ridiculous low price. You'll probably meet somewhere in the middle. But if you start in the middle, you'll have less room to maneuver and you'll pay more than you should.

5. Dress the part. Don't traipse through the souks in your finery if you want a good price.

6. Learn numbers in other languages and carry a calculator or a currency exchange cheat sheet. Even if you're great at math, merchants have been in the game for much longer than you have.

7. Don't be afraid to make an offer. What's the worst that could happen? All anyone can ever do is say no.

8. Pull out just the cash you are willing to part with. The sight of money is a powerful inducement for the vendor to close a sale. In foreign countries, often pulling out dollars in a lesser amount will be acceptable. But in any currency, pull out less cash than asked for and try saying, "This is all I have on me. Will you take it?"

9. Save ruthless bargaining for the merchants; bargain with compassion with an artist or craftsperson.

10. In bargaining, like in life, often you get what you want if you truly don't care. So, be ready to walk away. On the other hand, don't leave behind something you absolutely must have.

Please visit Kathy's website: Fearless Shopper.

(article courtesy of FeatureSource)