Morocco: Shopping at Fes Carpet and Rug Co-operative Dar Zarbia
Morocco: Shopping at Fes Carpet and Rug Co-operative Dar Zarbia
WAVEJourney visits a government controlled carpet and rug co-operative in the Fes Medina in Morocco
Morocco: Shopping at Fes Carpet and Rug Co-operative Dar Zarbia
During a 3.5-hour walking tour through the Fes Medina with a small group of 10, plus a local tourist guide, Momo, and a security man (to make sure nobody in our group got lost), we enjoyed opportunities to do some shopping. Before the tour started Momo explained that bargaining is expected, as most prices are initially highly inflated.
Our first stop was Dar Zarbia S.A.R.L., a government-controlled carpet co-operative, where many from our group made purchases of carpets crafted mostly by weavers at their homes throughout the country. The carpets and rugs are then delivered to the co-op to be sold.
Once we entered the co-op we were offered sweet Moroccan tea and then the fellow in charge started to explain the various carpets and rugs that were being rolled out before our eyes. We were very impressed by the quality and selection of Berber, Kilim, Arab, Nomadic and Fes extra-superior rugs and carpets in all colors, shapes and sizes.
Those of us that were interested in making a purchase were taken to private rooms where we could see the types of carpets that most appealed to our individual tastes. The salesman assigned to us started by asking our favorite colors and then one of his helpers started rolling out carpets in different designs and various shades of the chosen color.
Morocco: Shopping at Fes Carpet and Rug Co-operative Dar Zarbia
The process was pleasant and light-hearted and we did not feel any pressure to purchase anything we did not want. When we decided on our favorites, prices were discussed and the bartering began. After negotiating the final price, a contract was made out for the purchased carpets that were then wrapped and waiting to be put on our coach to take back to the hotel.
It is possible to have the carpets shipped home from Morocco, but we chose to take ours with us back to Spain where we could easily ship them home (cheaper to mail from Europe to USA and other countries).
Tips for shopping for anything in Morocco:
- Prices are not firm
- The first price is not the final price
- Negotiating is done in good faith and spirit
- It can be a lot of fun to haggle with the locals
- Bargain hard – the seller will walk away from selling if he can’t make money from your offer
- Many times the price you pay should be 25-35% of what the original asking price was
Note: WAVEJourney recommends taking a guided tour of the Fes Medina so not to get lost.
View WJ’s Fes photos from this trip.
If You Go:
Dar Zarbia S.A.R.L.
Fes Medina
Tel: (212-5) 63 68 41
Email: [email protected]
