Shopping

Shopping is not just shopping when you’re doing it in San Felipe. Shopping is an opportunity for you to step out of your comfort zone and take a shot at the age ol’ technique of bargaining. Vendors in Mexico EXPECT you to haggle them, to ask for a better deal or discount. They price their items knowing full well that most customers will walk away with their product at a rate lower than advertised. Haggling may be uncomfortable for people who consider themselves introverts, but here are a few tips and tricks that will help make your shopping experience a fun one.

If you are staying in a vacation rental, like the fully furnished ones in El Dorado Ranch Resort, you'll have PLENTY of safe places to store your purchases instead of leaving them in plain view in a small hotel room. You can go back out, do more shopping, and not worry about crowding up your tiny hotel space with your fun, new purchases! 

1. Never let the vendor take over. Going into the sale knowing exactly what you want, and being fully prepared to walk away if your price is not met is a powerful tool. Make sure you are the one in control of the conversation and sale. Don’t let them talk over you, make decisions for you or guilt you into paying more than what you’re going in there with,
2. Never let them know how much you want it. Your heart may be racing when you spot the collector’s item or antique that you’ve been searching for, but save your excitement for after the sale is final. Never let the seller know you really want or really love something. If they know you are very interested, they know you’ll pay the ticket price. Use words and phrases like “It’s okay…” or “Maybe I’ll keep looking.”
3. Be ready to walk away. If the seller can’t come to an agreeable price, walk away. Sometimes they are just looking to see if you will compromise first. If you don’t, and you walk away, nine times out of ten they’ll chase you down and agree to sell the item to you at your requested price.
4. Remember, you have something they want too. This is not a one-way street. They may have the beautiful artwork, silly trinket or antique that you want, but you have money, and that is what they want. If they’re working off of a commission, which a lot of them are, they’ll be willing to sacrifice half of their take to make the sale. Remain in control.
5. Have a local buy it for you. If the haggling process makes you nervous, ask a local to purchase your items for you. Be careful not to hand over your dollars or pesos to just anyone, of course, but if you know someone local, they can make your purchase for you and save you the inflated tourist rates,
6. Location is important. You can find the same item in a local market that you can find in some of the touristy places. Obviously, you’ll pay more in the hot tourist attraction areas. If possible, shop where the locals shop to avoid crazy prices.

If haggling isn’t your thing, we strongly recommend trying it, at least once, just to say you did it. It may give you a rush of excitement and have you ready to haggle for the rest of your trip. Or it may just get you a $12 hat for $4. Either way, it’s a fun experience.

Another great way to pick up some excellent Mexican merchandise is to walk along the Malecon and have the products come to you. You won’t be out there very long before vendors selling art, clothing, jewelry, food and other trinkets will approach you. If you’re not interested, a simple “no thank you” will have them on their way, they don’t hang around and bother you. If you are interested though, this is another place to put your bargaining skills to the test. These vendors usually accept pesos and dollars.

Shopping in San Felipe is a great way to add some flair to your wardrobe. Clothing in Mexico is usually made of bright colors, so a hat, scarf or accessory is a great way to brighten up your every day attire.

It’s always a good idea to do your shopping towards the middle or end of your trip. This way, you’ll have had a few days to really check out the different stores and see what sorts of things you want to buy, where to buy it and which store/vendor is willing to offer it for the best price.

Have fun shopping in San Felipe!