The Grand Bazaar can easily intimidate first timers. Aside from the fact that it is the largest covered market in the world, it does house an average of 4000 shops covering its 60 interconnected streets.
Apart from that, the competitive market and highly-experienced salespersons can sweep up your money without you knowing what you just bought.
You do have your reasons to view this place a chaotic mess the first time you experience it. But then, the wide assortment of unique goods that can only be seen here might be just around the corner waiting to be acquired.
Before giving this place a thumbs down, read on. These are some of the things that you need to know about this unique shopping attraction in Istanbul.
1. Salesmen here are working to fill their quota and earn a commission. It's very competitive here, so salesmen have to resort to all means like giving you tea and cookies, or suddenly coming up to you and rigorously making you buy their products. Don't find this inconvenient.
2. When rounding up the streets, just scan the shops then pretend you're not interested. Don't buy everything that is offered to you. The salesman will probably tell you his life story like sending his kids to college or paying off his debts. This is part of their marketing strategy, including the teas and the biscuits.
3. Don't feel guilty if you don't buy anything. Just scan for items and note them mentally. Pretend that they don't have what you're looking for and go to another shop.
4. After scanning the streets, come back for the items you would like to buy. The merchant probably knows by now that you had a good look around and will be desperate for you to choose their item. This is where you use your haggling skills!
5. Enjoy the beauiful products! The same items here may be available in the same dozen stores, but they are unique to Turkey. From textile to jewelry, from spices to leather, this is unlike any shopping place in the world.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
