Do you bargain over price at the market?
mer-CA-to — stress on second syllable. 'Contrattare' — con-trat-TA-re.
Ask or know before trying to bargain at Italian markets. The answer depends entirely on the type of market — food markets: no. Antique/flea markets: yes, expected.
Italian market etiquette: food markets ('mercati alimentari') have fixed prices — bargaining is extremely rude. Antique markets ('mercati dell'antiquariato') and flea markets ('mercatini dell'usato') expect negotiation. Street souvenir sellers near tourist areas sometimes accept offers. Supermarkets and shops: absolutely no bargaining.
Fa un prezzo migliore?
Can you do a better price?
Polite way to open negotiation at antique markets.
È trattabile?
Is the price negotiable?
'Trattabile' = open to negotiation. Ask before trying to bargain.
Il meglio che posso fare è...
The best I can do is...
Formula for making a counter-offer.
Italy's 'mercatini dell'antiquariato' (antique markets) are held on specific weekends in most Italian towns. The most famous include Arezzo's first-weekend market and Porta Portese in Rome (Sunday mornings). Bargaining is part of the experience — but at food markets, attempting it causes visible offence.