Discounts in Turkey

[The March Hare]

Three Words You Need to Know
-
Asking for a discount is one of things expected when buying stuff in Turkey. From a meal to a house everything is negotiable. Mention the English word ‘discount’ and you’ll be faced with a blank expression. But ask for the same in Turkish and you’ll often find the shopkeeper, barman or the like will smile and take off a few notes from the original price.

So, what is the Turkish for I would like a discount?


Well its:


‘INDERIM VAR MI’



Pronounced In-der-im var-ma. It means literally ‘Does a discount exist?’


If you learn your Turkish numbers you can haggle even harder by asking for the amount of discount YOU would like.


So, learn these three words and save yourself some of your hard earned. If you can’t remember the words then write them down on a piece of paper and pop it in your wallet or handbag ready for when you go shopping.


If you get the answer ‘VAR’ great you’ve got one! But get the answer ‘YOK’ or a tut with the eyes and head rolling back then you’re out of luck and it’s time to buy or leave.



Do remember it’s easier to ask for a discount before you agree to buy something rather than after. So, if you plan to go for a meal, ask for a discount before you order rather than when the bill arrives.


Happy shopping!

[The March Hare]

Haggling and Prices

The general rule is that if there is no price on the item you want to buy then the price is open to negotiation. It's bad form to haggle for an item that you don't want so make sure you are happy with the item before you start. For tourist items like souvenirs, carpets and other such items half the original price and knock off a bit more. The rest is down to your skill - "my friend"!!!

Watch out for pricing in GBP/Euro's or dollars - it's a confusion tactic. The price will be converted from that currency into YTL. Make sure that the conversion factor used is correct (check at the bank) or you may be paying over the odds!

Also watch out for commission charges for using credit cards. This is a sly way of making a few more lira out of you. Don't accept such charges unless agreed in advance

[The March Hare]

Consumer Rights

If you have a problem with something that you have bought and you have been unable to resolve it with the shop or supplier, then the Kaymakam has the power to review complaints for goods or services up to 600 YTL. You should put your complaint in writing and attach copies of any evidence that you have such as the faulty product, receipts and photos if available and send this to the Kaymakam in Fethiye. Your complaint will be translated and investigated.

Disputes over 600 YTL must be taken through the courts.

The Kaymakam's office is in the same building as FIG (next to the hotel Kemal), but right down the other end.

[The March Hare]

The Shopping Commandments

As consumers in the UK we lead a very protected existence. The media and law are all in our favour. Buy something faulty and its swapped out without question. Don't like the thing you've bought - no problems here's your money back. Don't get what you want - BBC Watchdog will sort 'em out'........Well the the world of shopping in Turkey can be very different..............watch the locals shopping in the Pazar and you'll start to get an insight.

Shopping Commandments

1. Do I need it?
2. Can I afford it?

3. Can I get a better price elsewhere?
Then..........

4. Check it works, has no marks, stains or other imperfections - even if it's in a packet!
5. Only pay in full if you can take it away with you. Otherwise, pay a small deposit with full payment on delivery (after checking 4 above).

6. Get the best guarantee you can.
7. Remember if you buy cheap you - may buy twice!

[The March Hare]

Conversion Tables
Sunday, 01 May 2005
Conversions

Shoes UK 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Turkey 37 38 39 39.6 41 42 44.5


Ladies Clothes UK 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Turkey 36 38 40 42 44 46 48


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