I have a question

No, you don't barter everything. Mostly you barter with vendors on the streets and beaches selling souvenirs and other things meant for the tourists. In the established businesses, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, bus terminals, etc., etc., there is no bartering.

Touristy Gift Shops, Too Though

I agree with Ken what is obviously legit like a supermercado or the bus fares, you don't , but in addition to the vendaderos on the beach you can freely haggle in gift shops on for example Duarte in Boca Chica.

I bought a replacment carry on bag starting at $40 US (roughly 1,000 RD$) for RD$ 400 with the tried and true I am now walking away from you strategy. It is a pretty good bag.

At the gift store selling mainly jewellry 10-25% off the sticker price is commonplace.

Mr. Mainer does most of the bartering. He pays retail in the supermercado, but not for things outside of the "regular" stuff. He got 1300 pesos off the washing machine, 160 pesos off the dog kennel, etc. etc.

He uses the, I am leaving now, approach also. Works most of the time with publicos and guaguas too. Doesn't work with taxis though.

Occasionally he does have to leave, but most of the time the price gets lowered.

Ah yes, haggling!!

Just be sure you do it with a smile.

Ask for the "descuento de familia" , or the "discuento de los hermanos"

Just be sure that it is not adversarial....keep a smile on your face like you know it's a game and just you two are enjoying it at this moment.

In many places if you don't barter they don't like to sell to you since you aren't playing the game...

Admire the articles, mention how nice they are and how inexpensive, but say you really don't want to spend that much for such nice stuff. Follow that line and you will enjoy the experience much more...

HB