6 tips on how to fabric shop at markets abroad

April 10, 2020

6 tips on how to fabric shop at markets abroad

Before you go abroad, always do your research about the country you will be visiting. It is important to be familiar with the customs and general culture of the country. Not only will it make your trip more enjoyable, it will show locals you respect their culture. If you are travelling abroad in the goal of finding materials such as fabrics for your business or personal activities you will most likely have to visit a busy market. Markets are a great place to find cheap beautiful fabrics. If you are North America or Europe, your money will go very far in markets in South America, Africa or Asia. To make the best of your visit at markets abroad, follow these tips:

  1. Dress like local

Dressing like a local is crucial because you want to avoid attention to you. If you look too much like a tourist or a foreigner, sellers will assume that you are willing to pay a higher price for fabric and may raise the prices when you approach their stand and show interest in their fabrics. If you want to get a good deal, I recommend wearing very simple clothing that will make you merge in the crowd. 

  1. Have a guide

Always bring a plus one when going fabric shopping at the markets. More specifically, bring a local that know prices and can let you know what is a good deal and what is not a good deal. \bringing a guide will ensure that you don’t spend more than you need to. Even if a guide knows that you are a tourist, showing up to the market with guide will ensure that. In addition, a guide will guide in the market and ensure that you don’t get lost.  To travelers, markets in Africa, South America can often resemble mazes and are easy to get lost in. A guide will make sure that you don’t feel disoriented.

  1. Have cash on you

Make sure you carry cash on you as using a debit or credit card to pay for fabrics will most like be impossible as most sellers will not accept electronic payment. However, don’t have too much cash on you because you could be pick pocketed and lose a lot of money.

  1. Get ready to be harassed

Sellers in markets can be extremely persistent. Don’t hesitate to be firm when refusing an offer, you are not interested in. Don’t feel forced to accept an offer even if the seller is harassing you or begging you to buy from him. Respectfully walk away from the sellers stand and look for better deals or offers. Don’t feel bad for refusing the sellers offer as you certainly will not be the last buyer that they see that day!

  1. Develop your negotiating skills

Make sure to get ready to negotiate for batter price when fabric shopping in markets abroad. Everything is negotiable. If you want to get the best deal you will have to negotiate the price. It’s if often part of the culture to do so so don’t feel weird when doing so. Don’t forget that as a foreigner, the sellers will quickly realize that you are a foreigner once you open your mouth and could decide in a split second to inflate the prices based on that information. Therefore, it is in your advantage to expect a price increase and negotiate the price as much as you can.

  1. Be knowledgeable about what you are allowed to bring back in your country

If you are planning to bring back a big quantity of fabrics, know what is the quantity of fabrics you are allowed to bring back in your country without having to taxes. If you know that there is chance that you will pay taxes on your merchandise, be ready to pay the taxes once you get to customs. In addition, if you are bringing back fabrics for business purposes, it is possible that you will have to pay taxes on those fabrics.

Buying fabrics abroad can save you a lot of money but to make your fabric shopping is an enjoyable experience, make sure to follow these tips if you want your trip to go smoothly.

Happy traveling and fabric shopping!





Also in Blog

What Type of Eclectic Style Suits You? Let's Take a Look at 6 Types of Eclectic Home Decor Styles
What Type of Eclectic Style Suits You? Let's Take a Look at 6 Types of Eclectic Home Decor Styles

June 16, 2020

It is in fact a challenge to juxtapose styles and contrasting colors but it is fun and rewarding. What type of eclectic style represents you? do you like the traditional look or are you a free spirited that connects more with the boho look? Let's take a look at six types of eclectic decor and their main characteristics.

Continue Reading

Eva Sonaike, a Nigerian-German interior designer and home décor expert based in London, United Kingdom
Eva Sonaike, a Nigerian-German interior designer and home décor expert based in London, United Kingdom

February 14, 2020

Continue Reading

Do you have a hobby?
Do you have a hobby?

January 22, 2020

Continue Reading