Crafts Market
Crafts Market
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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3.0
100 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
22
Average
23
Poor
17
Terrible
23
jammieschulte
Eugene, Or16 contributions
First of all, I would recommend that you only got to the craft market with a recommended hotel guide. We spent about $20 for two of us and a very knowledgeable individual took us. Shopping at the craft market can be dangerous if you are not accompanied by a Jamaican individual(s).
The craft market is a lot cleaner than I was expecting it to be, however you do have to go down a long and dark alley to get back to it, which was a bit frightening. Children should not go to the craft market, because the intense sellers will overwhelm them. And you should always stay in pairs at least.
Once you arrive people come right up to you immediately. Once you choose someone from the continuous crowd, they lead you right into their “hut” and all the way to the back. It is very hot, but most of them have fans on or they will use a hand-held fan the cool you off. It’s difficult to say no, but make sure you are very firm if you do not want to purchase anything. You can swindle them down on price of course, and no matter what money you give them for an item, they all will give you a free gift for just buying something. I bought a jewelry box that the lady wanted $50 for, but I talked her down to $10 and she gave me a “free gift” of a matching jewelry box… so I had a pair. Once you are done with one “hut” and you walk back outside, there is a mob of people waiting for you, each grabbing your arm and trying to lead you to their “store” or “hut”. There are SO many of these, so there is no way that you can visit them all, which is heartbreaking. My favorite “store” was one where I bought a Jamaican handbag made entirely out of bamboo. I paid $20 for it and the lady quickly wrote my name on it for free. She also gave me a free toe-ring.
My advice is to wear light clothing, carry your money in your pants or wallet (do not bring a purse) and always have a smile on your face, however be firm if you do not wish to purchase anything, but also be willing to spend some money. And bring your bargaining skills, cause you’ll need them.
The craft market is a lot cleaner than I was expecting it to be, however you do have to go down a long and dark alley to get back to it, which was a bit frightening. Children should not go to the craft market, because the intense sellers will overwhelm them. And you should always stay in pairs at least.
Once you arrive people come right up to you immediately. Once you choose someone from the continuous crowd, they lead you right into their “hut” and all the way to the back. It is very hot, but most of them have fans on or they will use a hand-held fan the cool you off. It’s difficult to say no, but make sure you are very firm if you do not want to purchase anything. You can swindle them down on price of course, and no matter what money you give them for an item, they all will give you a free gift for just buying something. I bought a jewelry box that the lady wanted $50 for, but I talked her down to $10 and she gave me a “free gift” of a matching jewelry box… so I had a pair. Once you are done with one “hut” and you walk back outside, there is a mob of people waiting for you, each grabbing your arm and trying to lead you to their “store” or “hut”. There are SO many of these, so there is no way that you can visit them all, which is heartbreaking. My favorite “store” was one where I bought a Jamaican handbag made entirely out of bamboo. I paid $20 for it and the lady quickly wrote my name on it for free. She also gave me a free toe-ring.
My advice is to wear light clothing, carry your money in your pants or wallet (do not bring a purse) and always have a smile on your face, however be firm if you do not wish to purchase anything, but also be willing to spend some money. And bring your bargaining skills, cause you’ll need them.
Written April 12, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katie109
wisconsin109 contributions
We went on a shopping tour. The crafts market was one place we went. And I have to say it was, well, intresting. Right when we got off our bus, and guy comes to be our "guide". I am not sure if this is what usually happens because the people that came with us had no "guide". But he was very friendly, and helped us to say NO. They dont really hound you to buy things here, it a lot of "come into here, come have a look, no charge to look" One no thank you usually does the trick. They did try to sell us ganja, but we declided the offer ALOT. The shops are the same items over and over again. But it was a great experience.
Written June 15, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ProudToBeCanadian
Canada34 contributions
Jan 2012
I took the $10 shuttle from the Sunset Beach resort with the expectation of finding some good bargains. We made 4 stops where we were given 30 minutes to shop. We were expected to first go to the designated gift shop before we could walk around the other stores. I have a few tips for those of you who are looking for a bargain.
Tip 1: If you see something you want to buy, walk away for a few minutes.
In the first gift shop, I asked the clerk what was the best price she could give me on a Jamaican shirt. She said she would sell it to me for a discount price of $15.00. I said I would think about it. I continued to walk around the store. The clerk came by and told me I could have the shirt for $12.00. So, I decided to buy it. The clerk told the girl at the cash register to ring it up for $12.00. Something didn't make sense about the money I had to pay.
This leads to Tip #2: Always check your receipt.
When I looked a the receipt , I noticed I was charged $16.00 and not the $12.00. When I identified this error, the girl immediately gave me $4.00 back. It was quite obvious that this error was intentional.
Tip #3. Be assertive when you bargain.
Our last stop was the craft market. As soon as my family and I stepped off the shuttle, a group of women directed us to visit their shops which are actually tiny shacks that display their products. One women begged me to purchase a bracelet that she put on my hand and a tiny wood turtle for $10.00. I knew this was a rip off , but I felt sorry for her because you knew she lived in poverty and depends on these sales. So, I agreed to buy it.
I did get a great bargain on 2 homemade bracelets which had the Jamaican colors on it.
As I was getting ready to board the shuttle, a street person started placing a bracelet on my son and I said "Okay, I will just buy one". He said it was $2.00. Before I knew it, he was placing another one on me. For $1.00 more he would sell me the second bracelet.
So $1.50 for these bracelets was a good deal. Since the hotel gift shop was selling them for $3.00 each.
Tip #4. Read the label. At the airport, there are 50 shops you can visit. I went into the Coffee and Spice store to pick up some Jerk Seasoning. I looked at the label of this one jar. It was Island Spices made in Wisconsin. I bought another jar that was authentically made in Jamaica.
Tip 1: If you see something you want to buy, walk away for a few minutes.
In the first gift shop, I asked the clerk what was the best price she could give me on a Jamaican shirt. She said she would sell it to me for a discount price of $15.00. I said I would think about it. I continued to walk around the store. The clerk came by and told me I could have the shirt for $12.00. So, I decided to buy it. The clerk told the girl at the cash register to ring it up for $12.00. Something didn't make sense about the money I had to pay.
This leads to Tip #2: Always check your receipt.
When I looked a the receipt , I noticed I was charged $16.00 and not the $12.00. When I identified this error, the girl immediately gave me $4.00 back. It was quite obvious that this error was intentional.
Tip #3. Be assertive when you bargain.
Our last stop was the craft market. As soon as my family and I stepped off the shuttle, a group of women directed us to visit their shops which are actually tiny shacks that display their products. One women begged me to purchase a bracelet that she put on my hand and a tiny wood turtle for $10.00. I knew this was a rip off , but I felt sorry for her because you knew she lived in poverty and depends on these sales. So, I agreed to buy it.
I did get a great bargain on 2 homemade bracelets which had the Jamaican colors on it.
As I was getting ready to board the shuttle, a street person started placing a bracelet on my son and I said "Okay, I will just buy one". He said it was $2.00. Before I knew it, he was placing another one on me. For $1.00 more he would sell me the second bracelet.
So $1.50 for these bracelets was a good deal. Since the hotel gift shop was selling them for $3.00 each.
Tip #4. Read the label. At the airport, there are 50 shops you can visit. I went into the Coffee and Spice store to pick up some Jerk Seasoning. I looked at the label of this one jar. It was Island Spices made in Wisconsin. I bought another jar that was authentically made in Jamaica.
Written January 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess T
2 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Vendors we're way too forceful and tried to split up our group the second we were out of the bus. Scary. I've never seen anything like it. I was out within 3 minutes before I almost suffered an anxiety attack. There was no way in hell I would allow them to split me up from my husband let alone extended family.
* Traveling to other countries: groups should never be forced to split up quickly at an unfamiliar shopping market. Maybe it was a culture shock for me,but I was not having it. Red flags went off immediately and I felt unsafe. I will not be back as these forceful tactics made me uncomfortable.
* Traveling to other countries: groups should never be forced to split up quickly at an unfamiliar shopping market. Maybe it was a culture shock for me,but I was not having it. Red flags went off immediately and I felt unsafe. I will not be back as these forceful tactics made me uncomfortable.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danz
Barbados1 contribution
At the craft market you will be approached by friendly Jamaicans who are willing to help show you around the market and give you tips on where to go and how to negotiate on prices with the vendors. Always negotiate because the vendors are very flexible with their prices and glad to accomodate their customers.
I would recommend that anyone visting the craft market should definitely pass by a shop run by a lady called BIG MOMMA because she is friendly, funny and has great Jamaican craft. She is truly the best part of the shopping experience of the craft market and she has irie prices.
It is advisable to go to the craft market with company or with a trustworthy local Jamaican because its safer to do so. Don't get me wrong, you won't be robbed or attacked if you go solo but having company is always good especially when you are not sure of your surroundings.
I would recommend that anyone visting the craft market should definitely pass by a shop run by a lady called BIG MOMMA because she is friendly, funny and has great Jamaican craft. She is truly the best part of the shopping experience of the craft market and she has irie prices.
It is advisable to go to the craft market with company or with a trustworthy local Jamaican because its safer to do so. Don't get me wrong, you won't be robbed or attacked if you go solo but having company is always good especially when you are not sure of your surroundings.
Written September 6, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1happykat
Cherry Hill, NJ184 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
I had a wonderful experience here - after going to Mexico many times, I was on alert. However, I found the experience to be a good one. We were probably the only sales some of these people got since they discourage tourists from going here anymore.
** If you can't deal with it, please don't write a nasty review. I found these people charming and yes, when I was done buying, I said no and they left me alone. But, I do stress, this is not for the faint-hearted. You will be pulled into their shops, you will be pressured into buying. But, you can say no assertively and they will get it. I got many charming handmade items. And I am also sad that people are saying this is all Made in China crap - it is not at all! I was literally followed through many shops by a man carving a bamboo cup for me as he was walking!
I would recommend staying away if you can't handle pressure, but if you're up for an experience you won't forget, then please go and support the locals!
** If you can't deal with it, please don't write a nasty review. I found these people charming and yes, when I was done buying, I said no and they left me alone. But, I do stress, this is not for the faint-hearted. You will be pulled into their shops, you will be pressured into buying. But, you can say no assertively and they will get it. I got many charming handmade items. And I am also sad that people are saying this is all Made in China crap - it is not at all! I was literally followed through many shops by a man carving a bamboo cup for me as he was walking!
I would recommend staying away if you can't handle pressure, but if you're up for an experience you won't forget, then please go and support the locals!
Written March 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danielle r
14 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
Okay so we go to Jamaica almost every year. And the craft market is always on our list of things to do. We make a list of people we are buying for and set a budget. Buying at the craft market things to know 1. is the money is going back to locals. In away it is like thanking Jamaica. 2. The lady's and men are friendly if one dose not have it in there shop they will tell you who does. 3. There is always room for bargaining always. If one dose not want to except your offer go to the next stall chances are they may have the same items. 4. Check out the local paintings and wood carving a lot of the time they are one of a kinds. 5. I recommended going early morning when it is not so busy you will have more time to look around and they are not so pushie. 6. They all have a story you will be surprise 7. Always deal in there currency. 8. Don't get upset they are trying to make a honest hard working living.
Written August 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elise S
Philadelphia, PA51 contributions
Nov 2012 • Family
We signed up for two tours with Jamaican Tours (we will never use them again). One was to go shopping in downtown Montego Bay, and then to the Craft Market. What a scam. The “shopping” in Montego Bay is one store, where an alleged shopping assistant sidles up to you THE SECOND you enter the store, and literally plants herself by you, so you can barely move. No casual browsing here on your own! No respect for a person's private space! It seemed clear that there was some kind of deal between the tour guide and/or the tour company to funnel money towards this one store. (And the guys in the back of the store kept telling our girls they were pretty, which weirded them out).
The next stop was the so called Craft Market. We were a tiny tour group so the shopkeepers swarmed us like bees to a hive, reaching out to take our hands, asking for our names, and trying to steer us into their respective “hut”. They operate under the “divide and conquer" principle, so families (and their children) are very intentionally separated, yet the storekeeper always seemed to know, accurately, where my husband and two girls were—at all times. Don’t be fooled; these are very savvy individuals who are hell bent on getting money out of the tourists. I understand that they are poor, but the aggressiveness was off putting, to say the least. Again, no respect whatsoever for personal space.
The only way I escaped from all of those reaching hands trying to touch me was to tell the shopkeeper, honestly, that my husband had money, not me. My daughter told one shopkeeper she wasn’t going to buy anything more, and then got brow beaten into buying from another hut. The first shopkeeper came up to my daughter and yelled at her: “You say you not buy anymore. You buy from her. We have THE SAME THINGS!!”. Good thing for the shopkeeper that neither my husband nor I was there to hear THAT. Really? Yelling at a young girl?
We all escaped to the bus long before our "tour" was up. The tour guide knew exactly what she was sending us into, and seemed to be holding back her laughter afterwards (and probably thinking something along the lines of “you dumb, rich tourists, you deserved that”). We did laugh about the experience, as well as while reading some of these trip advisor reviews (which we read after the fact, unfortunately). Our favorites: “ghetto retail” , “not for the faint of heart”, and “never go to this hell-hole of a ‘shopping experience’ “.
You have been warned.
The next stop was the so called Craft Market. We were a tiny tour group so the shopkeepers swarmed us like bees to a hive, reaching out to take our hands, asking for our names, and trying to steer us into their respective “hut”. They operate under the “divide and conquer" principle, so families (and their children) are very intentionally separated, yet the storekeeper always seemed to know, accurately, where my husband and two girls were—at all times. Don’t be fooled; these are very savvy individuals who are hell bent on getting money out of the tourists. I understand that they are poor, but the aggressiveness was off putting, to say the least. Again, no respect whatsoever for personal space.
The only way I escaped from all of those reaching hands trying to touch me was to tell the shopkeeper, honestly, that my husband had money, not me. My daughter told one shopkeeper she wasn’t going to buy anything more, and then got brow beaten into buying from another hut. The first shopkeeper came up to my daughter and yelled at her: “You say you not buy anymore. You buy from her. We have THE SAME THINGS!!”. Good thing for the shopkeeper that neither my husband nor I was there to hear THAT. Really? Yelling at a young girl?
We all escaped to the bus long before our "tour" was up. The tour guide knew exactly what she was sending us into, and seemed to be holding back her laughter afterwards (and probably thinking something along the lines of “you dumb, rich tourists, you deserved that”). We did laugh about the experience, as well as while reading some of these trip advisor reviews (which we read after the fact, unfortunately). Our favorites: “ghetto retail” , “not for the faint of heart”, and “never go to this hell-hole of a ‘shopping experience’ “.
You have been warned.
Written November 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chitza
Brussels, Belgium220 contributions
Dec 2011 • Couples
we were very dissappointed when we went on a half day trip to Montego bay (organised by Jamaica Tours Ltd) ; the plan was to get a feeling of local lifestyle and sightseeing, and to buy local stuff such as scotch bonnet sauce, a handmade barret for some of our friends and some of the famous blue mountain coffee.
During this trip, we were first dropped at a souvenir shop run by an indian guy at the hip strip, and noticed immediately that the price of the items was the same as in the hotel shops (rum, clothing, coffee), and unopened boxes of souvenirs saying "made in china"....
We did buy some bottles of hot sauce, and clearly the tour organiser and bus driver were angry that we didn't buy more.
We were not even allowed to walk a 200 m further along the hip strip, they only wanted us to buy in this one shop.
Second stop was this craft market.
It was totally different than what I think it should be, it was just a bunch of shops selling all the same kind of "rubbish" which I would assume a lot is made in china too ;-)
Difficult to determine what was really made by locals.
We only found the handmade barret at one location, and they asked 20 $, which they where prepared to lower to a 12 $ - OK, we did buy it, but I can make it myself at home for much less. Afterwards we bought a better one at the hotel shop for less.
We ended up giving some people just a few $ without wanting any item back (because we do realise they have to make a living of this), and spending the rest of the free time at the parking lot.
Our conclusion is that we payed a 20 $ per person to go to Montego Bay on an escorted trip to buy overpriced rubbish, which we could have bought in the hotel and spend the day relaxing at the pool.
Remark also that the "courtesy police" was present at both locations; to prevent tourist from being harrased apparently.
Not recommendable
During this trip, we were first dropped at a souvenir shop run by an indian guy at the hip strip, and noticed immediately that the price of the items was the same as in the hotel shops (rum, clothing, coffee), and unopened boxes of souvenirs saying "made in china"....
We did buy some bottles of hot sauce, and clearly the tour organiser and bus driver were angry that we didn't buy more.
We were not even allowed to walk a 200 m further along the hip strip, they only wanted us to buy in this one shop.
Second stop was this craft market.
It was totally different than what I think it should be, it was just a bunch of shops selling all the same kind of "rubbish" which I would assume a lot is made in china too ;-)
Difficult to determine what was really made by locals.
We only found the handmade barret at one location, and they asked 20 $, which they where prepared to lower to a 12 $ - OK, we did buy it, but I can make it myself at home for much less. Afterwards we bought a better one at the hotel shop for less.
We ended up giving some people just a few $ without wanting any item back (because we do realise they have to make a living of this), and spending the rest of the free time at the parking lot.
Our conclusion is that we payed a 20 $ per person to go to Montego Bay on an escorted trip to buy overpriced rubbish, which we could have bought in the hotel and spend the day relaxing at the pool.
Remark also that the "courtesy police" was present at both locations; to prevent tourist from being harrased apparently.
Not recommendable
Written December 29, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Missgemma03
21 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
I understand that the shop keepers are just trying to make a living however in my opinion this is not the way to get people to buy things. I went as a group of 4 and the second we got out the taxi we had people literally grabbing hold of us and pulling us in to their shops. They purposely split me and my friend (females) from our partners (males).
We were blocked in the shops and repeatedly asked well what are you going to buy from me. We tried to be polite and say no, but in the end I had to grab my friend and push our way out. I have experienced markets in Tunisia and Egypt but even that doesn’t compare to here!
Awful experience and not to mention that every stall practically sells the same; beaded jewellery, wood carvings and fridge magnets.
I love Jamaica and the people but the market was frightening and I most certainly would not recommend.
We were blocked in the shops and repeatedly asked well what are you going to buy from me. We tried to be polite and say no, but in the end I had to grab my friend and push our way out. I have experienced markets in Tunisia and Egypt but even that doesn’t compare to here!
Awful experience and not to mention that every stall practically sells the same; beaded jewellery, wood carvings and fridge magnets.
I love Jamaica and the people but the market was frightening and I most certainly would not recommend.
Written November 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do you suggest getting there? Is it worth it to book a tour to take you or better to just hail a cab?
Written November 13, 2016
I would suggest taking a cab. This will allow you to spend more time there. The tour is ok but they have a time limit on esch attraction.
Written December 3, 2016
How do you suggest getting there? Is it worth it to book a tour to take you or better to just hail a cab?
Written November 13, 2016
lamanoloca9
Central Argentina, Argentina
Buenas Tardes! consulta... se manejan con dólar americano o jamaiquino en el mercado. Gracias. Saludos.
Written September 13, 2016
Mag je roken in het hotel , aan zwembad en strand enzo ?
Written June 26, 2015
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