OK, i can answer the question: It's based on probability and outcome ..... The locals figure the average tourist spends seven days in Jamaica, so by that theory, one out seven would be a new arrival -- and BAM, there's your best chance to make a sale or whatever ....
No offense but honestly that cruise ship director told you that to scare you into a tour that the ship benefits from. I stayed in Ochie right next to the cruise ship port and would watch as the ships come in and yes the vendors do come out of the wood work but you really need to know how to deal with people in a polite manner even if they are pissing you off, in Jamaica a simple "mi alright" 99% of the time will cool any vendors attempts to lighten you wallet, ask any member on this board. I spent a week in Ochie and walked the street even in downtown and never worried one bit about being hassled. I really think the first exchange of words with any vendor will set the tone so I always try to have the smile and a greeting and if it is something I do not want I use the "mi alright" with the fist bump followed by "respect" and maybe the thumb wrestle deal on the end and I walk away with "no problem, mon".Originally Posted by uscgamecock
Try saying no thank you with a smile on your face and a little empathy in your heart. Realize that you are not a target, but an opportunity to make a buck in a place where opportunity is hard to find. Nothing personal.
Just the fact that you have been blessed with the good fortune to travel to their country and see that life in Jamaica isn't that easy should allow you to have at least some sympathy for the people you feel are targeting you.
Hi uscgamecock,
Normally I would not jump in on a thread like this, Please don't hold the opinions you see here offend you as all the boardies are basically good people they just fell strongly about any negative comment about a place we all love.
For the most part i agree with you and when i first read your comments I thought wow this person will get blasted for this. I think all of us who make multiple trips to Jamaica have found some connection to the Island we love and thinks we don't but the good always outweighs what we don't like.
You have to keep in mind most of the people on here love jamaica unconditionally kind of the way a dog will love you. Dogs don't measure love by what you have but for who you are and how you treat them.
Your comments remind me of a post I have made over restaurants and politics. I and not a restaurant critic and I have some places I absolutely love on west end and there are others people rave about that Mary, Myself and our friends have visited on several occasions because of reviews on here and thought to our selves they must have smoked a lot of Ganga to thinking this was great food. if anyone wants my favorite list and review of west end restaurants i will send you a copy, it has food quality along with value for price, our favorites may surprise you.
Anyway thanks for saying what many of us feel but wont say in fear or rocking the boat.
79 days before we make our 18 trip to Negril !!!!
Timm ( Don't Tread On Me }
Well said!
Can you send me the list please?
If someone is bothering you while you're sleeping in a beach chair; you're at the wrong resort.
Most places have security that would never allow that unless you signaled someone to approach.
Perhaps you need to consider a different beach in a different country.
Florida?
Last edited by Big_frank; 08-29-2011 at 09:35 AM. Reason: spelling
Last reach I gladly bought and enjoyed patties, pepper shrimp, and toasted almonds from beach vendors. Then there was the guy who kept shoving rolled joints in my pocket after I said I didn't want any, and the guy that shook my hand and held on to it as he tried to tie a multicolored string around my wrist. Of course they then demanded payment. These are the ones that really give the higglers a bad name..
I guess on the flip side there is the rude, non tipping tourist who give tourists a bad name. I am NOt talking about anyone in particular.
Respect,
USC: "Think I'll stick to the all-inclusive resorts from now on and never go outside the gate..."
Me: Good idea. And I don't mean any disrespect. But "Sandals/Corporate Gated AI" is probably the place for a guy like you.
BTW: By in large, the vendors and higglers are just doing their "jobs." They don't get a paycheck if they don't ask XXX number of people a day what they want/need and XXX percent of them say yes. Asking you what you want is essentially a cold call for them. Make no mistake though: there is a vast network on that beach...we're just part of the equation....they know who is newly arrived, etc. They know when you're a newbie you have the most cash on you... after a few days of laying back...you will have less cash. It's a job and they do it well. They know the clientele.
And I admit it: the less desirable type of higglers don't always thrill me either...the kind that don't take no for an answer ruin it for the rest of the vendors...but I've also had a blast with some of them, or met people through them, or saved a ton of cash by eating a $1 pattie for lunch...or found out where an old friend was...
I hope you have many more great trips and I respect your opinion.
lol - we ALL understand what you're saying, some of us just disagree with the conclusion you've drawn. That 'one person' you mention is just the only one who happens to agree with your opinion.At least one person here understands what I'm saying...
Yes it can be irritating to be approached every 5 minutes with a sales pitch, trust me we ALL get it -- however - that's not the point of many of these responses. while we all understand your annoyance, you've got a few things just wrong.
yes - vendors do approach tourists constantly - all tourists - it's not because they think "americans need something". The question itself comes from an inaccurate context -- it's not ABOUT that. it's not ABOUT 'americans', and it's not ABOUT a buyer 'needing' anything -- it's about THEM, making sales - to whomever. They don't give a rats patoot if anybody 'needs' anything, their sole focus is just to sell as much as possible. (even more so now that it's an especially slow season). The more ppl they approach, the greater the odds that they will sell something. it's not 'personal', it's Statistics and Marketing 101.
yes, we all know how irritating it can be. BUT - while they may be relentless, they are not "scammers" - they are vendors and salesmen. they have something real and valid to sell - so of course, that's what they do. Of course you don't have to buy a thing if you don't want to - but just cause you're not interested in what's being sold, doesn't mean there's something wrong with them selling it.
so yeh, we all know the constant "hard sell" is annoying, especially when you're just trying to relax. But - that does NOT mean it's some kind of scam.
to enjoy the beach there, you'll either have to come to understand that vendors are part and parcel of Negril - this particular beach just isn't the quiet, empty beach you expect that it should be; understand that the vendors are people trying to make a living just like you and me; and figure out how to chill and say 'no thanks' with a smile..., or you might want to consider an all-inclusive resort on your next trip, as they don't permit many vendors on their beach areas.
Last edited by MissBlue; 08-29-2011 at 03:41 PM.
"But, alas... no one has really answered my question yet. Why to Jamaicans think that tourists (Americans, Canadians, Germans, or wherever) always need something when we're on their beach? "
I'll answer it. Because the tourists have MORE than the Jamaican vendors too. Pure and simple, its about the cash. From their eyes, they see you in their country (which means you had to spend money to get there), staying at a hotel (which means you have money to spend to stay at the hotel) so you MUST have nuff money to spend a likkle with them.
You could go the AI route - that would be one solution (many AI properties allow certain vendors on property to sell their crafts to the guests. A few were set up at Grand Lido when I visited there. No hard sells but prices 3x what that same item would cost on the beach at Long Bay) or you might want to try the cliffs. Far, FAR fewer vendors and "hustlers" on the road there.
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