From: Jeff Martin

Date: Thursday, September 15, 2011 2:21 PM

Subject: Shopping in Israel for that special souvenir

History: This message has been replied to and forwarded.

Greetings Pilgrims

(This one is long, so if you don't have time, just hit "delete".)

Shopping in Israel

If you are like me, you have probably bought a bunch of souvenirs on a trip and later wondered why. There are tons of souvenir items to buy, but you might be better off thinking about your purchases now. Take a look at some websites that show pictures of souvenirs and other wares that are offered in Israel and think about what you really want as a special souvenir on this trip. It may be that you want something that is a work of art in gold, silver or olive wood for example. Try to narrow it down in your own mind and make sure you will have room in your suitcase. Decide how much you are prepared to spend on the item.

The next step may be a little uncomfortable, but with practice it can be fun as well.

Are you ready to Haggle?

~ 1 Approach any sale in Israel with a mindset to haggle. Sometimes people from Western environments assume that prices are fixed and whatever price a vendor mentions the first time is the rock bottom price. But this is not so. Israel, like most countries of the Middle East, depends on bargaining to do business, so approach almost any sales situation ready to negotiate.

~ 2 Know what you want and how much you are willing to pay for it. Set yourself an ideal price and a price you find reasonable for the product you want. This way, you will know where to begin your price negotiation, and also where to end it.

~ 3 Ask the price before you tell your price. A vendor will be trying to gauge if you're a savvy shopper or a sucker, so begin by getting the vendor to quote the price. If it's much higher than your ideal price, just say no but don't walk away. Chances are the vendor will ask what price you were thinking or wanting which is your cue to stop to think for a few seconds and then quote your ideal price.

~ 4 Be persistent with what you want. If the vendor is negotiating in the area of your ideal or reasonable price then haggle until you reach an agreement.

~ 5 If the vendor will not approach your reasonable price, walk away. Be explicit about your actions by telling him that it's too much for you. Don't try to trick him by saying you saw a better price in another stand at the market because he probably knows all the local prices and bargains. Simply inform him that his price is too high, walk away and be sure to walk past the stall again after about fifteen or twenty minutes. Chances are he will call you back to offer a price closer to what you want.

~ 6 Remember it's just business. Keeping a cool head is the best way to haggle at a market in Israel, as in other places. So don't get angry or insulted but keep a friendly, business-like attitude toward the transaction in order to get the best bargain.

You have your purchase, you have paid for it, and you have paid the tax. Don’t forget, that you may be able to get a refund on your taxes before you leave Israel.

VAT Refund

Purchases can be made in Israeli Shekels, U.S. dollars or Euros. Tourists who have purchased items with a value exceeding $100 (including VAT) in stores that are registered with the Ministry of Tourism or in stores participating in the VAT-refund plan are entitled to a refund of VAT when they leave the country. Stores that offer VAT refund service have a special sign.

To receive VAT refund, ensure that you get a receipt with a list of all the items you have purchased and details of the purchaser. The receipt and purchases must be put into a sealed bag. Tourists must then go to the “Change Place” at Ben Gurion airport or other exit port. If you wish to send the items that you purchased with your luggage, you must declare the purchase at the security check, and present your passport, flight ticket, purchases and receipts at the counter. The attendant will open the bag, examine the contents, sign the receipt, and refund the VAT in any currency minus a commission. The VAT refund can also be sent to your address abroad for an additional charge.

There is no VAT refund for the following items: food, drinks, tobacco products, electrical appliances, cameras, film or other photography equipment.

Additional information about VAT refunds is available on the "Change place Financial Services" website: http://www.cpl.co.il/English/index.asp or at 03-975-4020.

View VAT refund form.

Additional things to remember.

Never insinuate that the vendor’s products are substandard in order to try and negotiate a better deal. If it were substandard you wouldn’t be interested.

Do not ask the guide in front of the vendor if that is a good deal. The guide has to develop good relations with many of the vendors they encounter. Let’s say you want to buy a silver Seder plate or a pottery Roman lamp. Ask the guide ahead of time where a good place is to buy that kind of item along our travels. The guide will point out a good place and may be able to give you some guidance on prices. Use the haggling guide above and have fun with the experience and enjoy your purchase.

Don’t forget to say “Todah” (Thank you) or if you know the vendor is Arabic, you might like to say...”Shokran” (Shook ran).

Shalom!

God bless!

Jeff Martin, Major Education Secretary

Ps 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. NKJV