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[gyl.johnson]

Buying a carpet in Morocco can be a daunting task for the uninitiated therefore, you can find here four simple rules to maximize satisfaction with one’s purchase.

Do your homework Don’t walk into the first shop you come across and buy right away. Before you even arrive do some research on the internet. Make sure you know the difference between a kilim, a zanafi, a thick weave Berber etc. As well as look at the pricing. There is an enormous array of different types of carpets coming from different regions so while you won’t be an expert, you should try to have a bit of knowledge on your side. While in Morocco look around first without buying and ask others how much they spent for their items

Know your price Before you start, be sure to have a fixed price in your head of how much money you want to spend and stick to it once you’re in the shops.

Enjoy the process Once you have done your research and you have a fixed price in your mind, you are then ready to shop. As soon as you enter the shopkeeper will welcome you to have a seat and offer you mint tea. Definitely accept it in the spirit in which it is given. Also they will ask you questions about yourself so do relax and enjoy the conversation. However, you shouldn’t mention that this is your first visit to Morocco. If you say this, they will assume you know nothing about the cost of things and raise their starting price. While you are there, they will unroll carpet after carpet for you to look at and the shopkeeper will tell you about different types of rugs and their regions. Enjoy the process and drink your tea. So finally you have found the carpet you want… This is where the fun starts.

The negotiation Once you have found that magic carpet, the shop keeper will offer you a price that will be ridiculously high. He doesn’t expect you to actually accept that price, although it would be nice if you did. However he does expect you to give a lower price that is much higher than you would have normally given. No matter how high his starting price, you give one fourth of what you plan to spend. He will then lower his price substantially but it will still be too high. You give one half of what you plan to spend and then lastly, he will lower his price again and you will raise yours and it’s a deal.

[gyl.johnson]

Good question. Actually you'd be amazed at how small they can wrap them up. Many times shipping it isn't even necessary. I once carried-on a 5 foot long runner on my flight. Obviously, you can't get away with that for much larger sizes. Typically if your rug is rather big, the salesman tells you how much it cost to be shipped before you agree to purchase the rug. As you are paying, you will also fill out your address on the actual mail slip(from DHL or FEDex) to be attached to your merchandise. With a reputable house, they are immediately wrapping the rug up and before you leave you should most likely be able to witness them attaching the shipping labels on to the rug. Depending on where its meant to be shipped prices can go from $25 and up.