Higglers

[Mort]

Been reading here and on tripadvisor and have noticed that higglers/hustlers seem to get a pretty bad rap. Am I the only one that enjoys the intereactions or at the very least tolerates them? Most are just trying to earn a buck. Very few that I've come across really have malicious intentions. What's the big deal?

[Caught]

It's one of things we love about the beach. The only time it becomes a problem is when they trap you and try and keep you from walking on. I'm not sure if I would call those guys Higglers as much as Pain in the Asses.

[Muck]

I remember being very apprehensive the first time I ventured out onto the beach for a walk.... But I found that it was very easy to respectively decline their offers. All it took was looking them in a eye and just politely shaking your head and saying "No thanks" was easy enough and almost became second nature. No big deal at all.

[Stoners6]

The beach sellers and that interaction is what I find especially fun about a vacation to Negril. Get to know their names and it gets even better!

[Mort]

I found that keeping a few witty replies handy helps. One of my favorites is telling someone I have a boat right up by the cliffs and that I need 50 pounds in the next 20 minutes. I usually get a shocked look and then laughter and then its all good.

[takinitslow]

I to enjoy the sales banter from people on the beach i like how the first offering is alwayse a regular product followed by all the extra products they might have. I like to hace a chat with them sometimes although it annoys my better half sometimes.

[saeyedoc]

I found that keeping a few witty replies handy helps. One of my favorites is telling someone I have a boat right up by the cliffs and that I need 50 pounds in the next 20 minutes. I usually get a shocked look and then laughter and then its all good.

That's a good one, will have to steal it from you lol.
First morning walk on the beach, I time how long it takes to get offered illegal substances, usually under a minute!

[Caught]

I always try and do a months worth of "fake 'n bake" before I go so I don't look so much like I just stepped off the plane and are ripe for the picking.

[Rambo]

I think a lot of Jamaicans have caught on to the Tan Booth...they still can tell if you are new.....remember this is a "small" neighborhood...and they are looking at tourists all day long...they see a fresh one, just as if someone moved into your neighborhood, you would notice......
it does help you with the sun so you wont get fried the first day, hopefully

Just say No Thanks...dont say "later" or they will press you further for when??
if they persist.."NO I DONT DO DRUGS" spoken very clear and LOUD, will get them movin on....also callin you all kinna names lol

the last thing they want is a loud voice, that might attract attention, or competition

they can be enjoyable, and you may make a "true" friend that will last for years, we did many times

[T&A]

I find it rather fun most of the times. On time this guy asked me:
You need any smoke?
Me: No Mon
Need any coke?
No Mon
Mushrooms?
No Mon
Pause from the seller....
Me: Is that all you got?
No mon what do you need I can get it.
Me: I'm just kidding I really don't need anything.
Laughs, fist bump and were both on our way.