Is bargaining the norm? If so, is it better to go on a day when there are no cruise ships?

That is how I have done it. Bargain when the store is empty and the streets are quiet. Not sure if it makes a difference, as I haven't done it at other times.

We bargain when it is worth bargaining. If we are buying a $10 item, we are not going to worry about bargaining. But if we are buying items over $100 or more, then we will bargain a little.

we noticed some of the beer shacks were $1 when slow and $2 when ships were in, we bought a bunch of employee trinkets and everyone was willing to bargain. We really enjoyed the boardwalk and people watching. We asked some ladies in an upscale store, where is the best burger. She pointed next door to the Holland House. Big cushy white pillows, we knew this was not going to be cheap, but this was the best $20 burger I have ever eaten, ground chuck, brisket and short rib, OMG, worth every penny <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

OH Oh, you may have missed the best burgers on the boardwalk :-)
Burger Madness! Superb!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Re..._St_Martin.html

Where is it located on the boardwalk in relation to Holland House? We usually go to Greenhouse or Tallula Mangos for lunch when in town.

It is west of the Holland House, down close to the other end, where the new small pier is built. It is run and owned by two young women who make everything from scratch and it is terrific

Thanks for the info! Now added to my list to eat at in July!

Just checked out the pics and TA info....a bucket of mango margaritas?!
"Yes please!!" <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Well, I am kinda glad this thread turned into a "Burger" thread as I love a good burger and will now try Burger Madness.

But, back to the thread.

I want to spend about $500 for a nice birthday present for my wife.

Will we get a better value compared to NY jewelry?

I am assuming the strong dollar vs Euro and going on a non cruise ship day may be beneficial.


We love a good bargain, but always try to also help at locals as best we can.

We arrive June 5th for our 5th SXM trip



<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Other than no taxes, I don't really think you will save any money. However, your wife will always remember where you bought the item! The rings I wear virtually every day both came from the Caribbean--left hand, St. Maarten, right hand St. Thomas. Neither one was really a real high dollar purchase, but both are unusual and I get lots of comments on them. I love telling folks "Oh, I bought that in St. Maarten!" <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Know the general value of what you want. Shop around NY and online.

There are some bargains to be had, and sometimes unusual pieces.

Bargain! Haggle! Negotiate! It's "the process". And there are free drinks....lol.....which tends to result in impulse add-ons in my case...poor hubby.

I do have substantial pieces, and also daily work wear pieces.

If you pay cash you can often negotiate even more, as they will not incur credit card processing fees. So you can save that as well as tax.

Have fun!

Yes, do be careful of those 'free drinks'!! Generally they're pretty expensive! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I have done extremely well when purchasing unique pieces of jewellery in St. Maarten. One item was purchased for 1300 and has been appraised for over 5000! IF you know your jewellery, you can do very well.

Hi islandgem,

Do you negotiate in Euros or dollars? What payment method do you suggest (cash vs credit card)?

Negotiate in Dollars. Cash is always king. Some places add 5% for CC purchases so ask first.

Barbara,

Is Tafari still involved with Burger Madness?

gary

My wife bought a ring at G&N on front St. We had a friend who is a jeweler look at it, he said, he could not buy the diamond for the price we paid, great buy, but the gold was not that good, they make the whole ring in on piece of gold. Diamond, could get lose when sized. In the States, the setting is separate from the ring so the stones do not get as lose.