Barcelona is a top European shopping destination.
Passeig de Gràcia offers the finest in couture and designer brands, Born, Gràcia and Barri Gòtic are havens for one-off pieces from new Catalan designers, while Eixample is a hot spot for those seeking the lowest prices on big name Spanish labels such as Massimo Dutti, Zara and Mango.
International brands bought in Spain will almost certainly be cheaper than cities like London, Paris and Milan.
Certain companies that import goods from abroad, however, can be more expensive than in their home countries. Habitat is one example. Tax is included in all items, so the amount on the ticket is the price you pay.
If you buy from a market stall, prices can be haggled over, so do feel free to offer an alternative price, and be aware of not being overcharged.
If sales assistants or vendors get over zealous, feel free to get defensive and walk away. They’re highly unlikely to take offence and are less likely to take advantage of you on price.
Sales are impressive, especially for clothes, when items can be reduced by up to 80 percent.
Barri Gòtic, though better known for its architecture, has some wonderful independent boutiques, while the centre of the city is where the brand name shops are found. Simply wander the cobbled lanes and you’ll stumble across all sorts of shopping treasures.
Online Shopping
As more people get an internet connection at home, online shopping is increasing in popularity.
But as postal rates in Spain are relatively high, you won’t necessarily save money even though you may save time by not traipsing around shops. However, some local sites offer free delivery when spending over a certain amount.
Electrical goods stores and supermarkets tend to charge a nominal fee to deliver goods to your door. Buying things like books from domestic sites can be expensive, as the delivery charge is determined by weight.
Payment options vary from site to site; some accept credit or debit cards, while others only use PayPal. Many expats frequent online shopping sites in their home country for items they can’t get in Spain. Goods arriving from overseas may be inspected by customs on arrival.
How to Pay
All shops and markets in Barcelona accept cash payments in euros. However, it’s a good idea not to carry around large wads of folding money, as pick-pockets are quite common.
Large shops and some smaller ones accept payment by Visa and Mastercard as well as Visa Electron and Maestro debit cards. Other cards such as American Express, Diners Club and JCB are also accepted in many shops. As a precaution to minimise fraud, most shops insist customers provide photographic ID such as a passport or driving licence when paying by credit or debit card.
Some shops are set up to take payments by the ‘Chip and PIN’ system but may also require a signature. Many small shops will only accept card payments for purchases over a certain value and most markets only accept cash.
Shipping
El Corte Inglés can organise shipping, but no other large name shops or department stores offer a ‘shop and ship’ service.
If you do opt for a private shipping service, be aware that quicker tends to be costlier. Air freight can be much more expensive than shipping. Even with the latter, the money saved on buying in Spain will often be lost in the cost of transport.
Redhead International is a British company that offers competitive rates on delivery from Spain by truck while DHL and UPS are, usually, highly efficient. Avoid posting things from the local Correos (post office), as rates are extremely high for even low weight packages.
Bargaining
Bargaining is unacceptable in brand name shops, where the price on the tag is the price you pay.
However, bargaining is possible in independent shops and markets. Furniture shops are also open to offers, and a respectable alternative price will always be considered. Paying in cash, especially if you’re buying in bulk or dealing with high prices, may help. If you don’t ask, you won’t get it. Simply be up front and ask vendors if they would be willing to negotiate on the price.
If they are, just tell them what you’re willing to pay and ensure your alternative offer is not insulting. If they’re open to negotiation, they are likely to give you a counter offer.
If you’re buying food in the big markets you can’t bargain with stallholders, but do keep an eye on the price. Those believed to be tourists have occasionally been overcharged for their fruit and vegetables.
Refunds & Exchanges
Retailers are required by law to exchange faulty goods. But they don’t have to accept the return of non-faulty items. Returns policies vary greatly, as each independent store or chain sets their own rules. But, once they’ve made them, they have to honour them.
If they do accept returns, you’ll receive a refund, a credit note or an exchange. Time limits will be specified, which again vary from company to company (usually between seven days and a month) and you will need to present the receipt as proof of the date of purchase.
Most stores stipulate the item must not have been used or worn. Some shops display their policy in-store, but others do not, so it’s always a good idea to check with the sales assistant whether or not you’ll be able to return an item. During sales periods, shops can change their returns policies, except in the case of faulty goods.
Consumer Rights
If a shop refuses to exchange faulty goods, you need to ask for a complaints form (hoja de reclamación, or full de reclamació in Catalan). All shops have to supply these and carry a sign clearly stating that they have them.
The form is in triplicate; a copy for you, one for the shop and the third goes with an original receipt and any other relevant paperwork to the Oficina Municipal d’Informació al Consumidor (
OMIC). Their office is at Ronda Sant Pau 43 (93 402 78 27).
Similarly, if a shop with a returns policy for non-faulty goods refuses to refund your money, exchange the item or give a credit voucher, and you are within the time limits and terms set by them, you can also make a complaint, following the same procedure. The Agència Catalana del Consum (
ACC) can also help.
2 December 2008
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