What is the best defence against the aggressive vendors in the straw markets in Jamaica.?

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dane m

If you are really serious about shopping in the straw market in Jamaica and your not just asking a provocative question, here is a suggestion that should go well with others already posted.If you are brought to the craft market by a taxi/tour bus operator ask the driver for assistance while you shop.Clearly express your concerns and even ask the driver to help with negotiating prices.
The tour bus /taxi operators tend to take very good care of their clients.Use only certified operators they are specially trained and licenced, a sticker bearing this is placed on the front windscreen of the vehicle.
Ps I understand people's concerns about Jamaica, but I really get riled when I see people giving flippant answers to questions asked about Jamaica.I am Jamaican, a former employee of a related tourism government agency, and was even posted in the straw market from time to time.The concerns expressed about Jamaica are real but when I am in New York or Miami I do not go wandering off, I am escorted by my family or friends who live there,point being crime exist everywhere. I still love Miami and appreciate New York.
By the way the same trick for the craft market works for anywhere else you may be going on the island, make friends with the driver (a mature one is best ) and if you are satisfied the first time out try and use the same driver for all trips.From the fist instance express your likes and dislikes to the driver in a conversational way and include the driver as much as possible in your activities.
Sorry for the rant.

Lyn K

when they try to sell u something,pull a trinket out of ur pocket,and try to sell it to them.

Angela M

Same as in Cancun- roll your eyes and push by them gently. Don't make eye contact, don't speak to them, don't try to walk around them.

daveduncan40

I found the best defense was to not go to the markets. The vendors were very annoying and pushy the one time we went so we didn't go again. That solved that problem.

All hat

Not to make direct eye contact or move toward their stall.

derrick

ignore them with no response especially if you are not inerested in the product

aladdinwa

Learn how to say, "no".

Seriously.

Most people can't do it.

acmilan

the best way to get away is the old "NO,THANK YOU" that always works, in Mexico,Bahamas,Puerto Rico........trust me.

moshydog

A good offense... its sometimes the best defence...

lascobee

three things:
1. don't make eye contact
2. try not to look overly pleasant
3. try to act like you know exactly what you came to buy (that way they can't suggest anything)

RACQUEL

JUST SAY NO! simple

kurticus1024

be poor and have no money

thats the only thing that will work

I was hustled in about 50 ways when I was there

you can't blame people who have no money for wanting some, I just decided to study how the money loss would happen, I learned a lot

babbles

My kids learned the best answer...(especially when they tried to sell them pot)...You just tell them you've already got some! :) They immediately leave you alone so they can sell to someone else. I'm sure this would work for just about anything they want to sell you. "Sorry, but I already have some."

As for the kids around...bring some shinny nickels and toss them into the water for them to swim after them. This keeps them busy for hours and they love it.

Tamayka

just say to them "mi nuh have nuh dollaz pan mi rite now, so next time wen mi a pass thru mi wi let off summin."

Edward D

A match or a Bic Lighter

AlwaysOverPack

"No thank you" and keep moving.

sapphire_adera

Pretend you're deaf.
Pretend you can't hear them.
Pretend you don't speak -whatever they're speaking-
Ignore them.
Ignore what they sell.
Walk and hold a map right in front of your face.
Run through the street fast so they can't catch you.
Wear headphones so you really can't hear them.
Fake being on the phone.
Actually be on the phone.
Carry a bull horn and yell at them.
Carry fire crackers, light them and toss them on the ground as the vendor approaches....(Is that legal?)
Tell them they're being rude.
Be rude back.
Tell them they are obnoxious and annoying.
Tell them to go away.
Tell them that you'll call the police.
Call the police.
Carry grapes in a plastic bag, and throw them at the vendors.
Carry a visible (legal) weapon.
Walk in groups so you can bail each other out.
Walk around in just a bathing suit (no place to hold money).
Wear scruffy clothes so they think you're poor.
Wear a shirt that says you're poor.
Actually be poor.
Don't go to the markets.
Don't go to Jamaica.

Uh..... That's it, I ran out of ideas....

paradise

I have always given the same advice to my many American friends and that is: Avoid direct eye contact, be polite and never, ever take out a $20.00 bill, you will never get change.

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