Traveling and Haggling in Morocco

5. Get straight to the numbers: A good salesperson will unroll more carpets than you ever thought existed, as a staff of 20 shop boys feverishly sweats away carrying the 100-pound rolled beasts, each more beautiful than the previous. The salesperson will likely avoid talking prices as long as possible, hoping to confuse with a display of carpet shock and awe. Once you see something you like, ask the price. If he brushes off the question or simply doesn't answer, stop everything and ask again. Knowing exactly how much every carpet costs will prevent them from getting into the much-dreaded pad and paper negotiation.

4. Surviving the pad and paper: So you didn't heed our advice. Suddenly you find yourself with four carpets you love and a salesperson talking at auctioneer speed. He places a pen and pad in your hand and tells you to write your price. As you frighten at the idea of revealing your budget, he grabs the pen and pad away and scribbles down a price while telling you this is his "very lowest offer I have ever given." For the first time since you walked in, the showroom is silent as everyone watches. He passes you the paper and the price is "a very affordable $17,000 for all carpets including tax and shipping." Your stomach rolls in a knot as you realize that's more than your entire post-recession Visa card limit.

3. Just say no: Your ripped cargo shorts and T-shirt with tajine stain did nothing to temper the fast-talking salesmen eager to take your money. The price for four rugs was outrageous and you are showing your displeasure by simply walking away. As you get up and say, "thank you but no thank you," he will likely grab back the pad and scribble down another number to keep you negotiating. If he doesn't, simply walk away and don't even consider tipping the carpet assistants as you leave. If you do leave, remember that you'll likely be unable to find that same rug if you return, as the showrooms are very poorly organized and re-finding it is high unlikely.