*Freier (fry-er) n. a gullible person, someone easily cheated or deceived.

(Courtesy of Olim Paveway) Even if you have no bargaining experience, after living in Israel for a bit, bargaining should become second nature. Whether haggling over the price of fresh produce at the shuk (outdoor market) or the price of a home, knowing how to bargain like an Israeli not only will save you money but also earn you respect. However, there are a few ground rules you should know.

First, know where (and when) to bargain.

The shuk. Whether you’re buying fruit, veggies or sundry home goods, the shuk is a great place to sharpen your bargaining skills. The same goes for independent shops, kiosks and flea markets.

Service providers. Negotiating with tradespeople, mechanics or even movers is an Israeli way of life.

Cars or real estate. It’s standard practice to negotiate rent or the price of a home; cars, too.

Remember, too, that when you’re bargaining, everything is negotiable. This includes cash vs. credit card, buying in volume vs. individual items, reducing terms of service like delivery times. Basically, anything that saves a vendor time or money is up for negotiation, so if living without certain product or service add-ons will reduce the price, then go for it!

However, there are times and places where bargaining is inappropriate. This includes chain stores, most restaurants and cafes (although you might get a few perks from the waiter if you’re nice). Government fees, like fines and taxes, are also out. The same goes for taxi fares. Don’t negotiate. Have the driver use the meter. And if the driver says the meter’s broken, walk out. It’s illegal, and in the end, you’ll lose money.

Surprisingly, my wife and I did have success getting our bank to waive service charges for several years because of a clerical error on their part. (You can email me for details.)

If you’re unsure whether bargaining is appropriate, observe others or politely ask, “Do you offer a discount?” You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose by asking.

One of the most important things to understand is that bargaining is about building rapport. Smile, joke and stay relaxed. Be firm but polite. Don’t take it personally if the seller says no. It’s not a rejection of you. It’s just business.

That being said, remember that Israel operates like a giant family-run business. People know each other, deals are struck over coffee, and personal relationships do matter. Sellers aren’t usually out to cheat you—they’re just trying to get the best deal for themselves, just as you are. It’s a game, and everyone’s in on it.

So do your homework. Know the approximate value of what you’re buying. Show genuine interest. Start low and be prepared to walk away if necessary. And always keep cash handy when possible. Who knows? With a bit of smart bargaining, you might pick up a chicken at a good price instead of being a “freier.”

Olim Paveway’s Olim Toolbox is a regular series offering timely tips for anyone moving to Israel. Join our live Zoom chats, Sundays at 2 p.m, at https://tinyurl.com/2xkewrd4 and join our Olim Toolbox WhatsApp at https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ic8dNfdNlspGAPtmcCKtbf for more tips.

If you have a question or suggestion for a topic, please write to [email protected].