Vietnam’s Da Nang market vendors face suspension for excessive price markups

Phan Thanh Thoai, head of Con Market’s management board, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that shoppers can report vendors who quote prices beyond the permitted limit for disciplinary action.

Under the market’s trading regulations, vendors must refrain from excessive price markups, blocking customers’ paths, or pressuring them to make purchases.

Depending on the severity of the violation, traders may be suspended for three to 15 days. Serious or repeated violations could result in the termination of their trading contracts.

Thoai said the market had received no complaints about price gouging over the past three to four years, reflecting efforts by local authorities to improve trading practices and create a more welcoming shopping environment.

"These days, everyone has a smartphone. If vendors treat customers poorly, the consequences can be serious, and those customers may never return," he said.

He added that vendors were increasingly aware of the need to protect their livelihoods and help monitor one another’s business practices.

Thoai noted that markups below 15 percent remain acceptable, allowing vendors and shoppers to maintain the long-standing tradition of bargaining at Vietnamese markets.

Popular tourist market draws thousands daily

Located in downtown Da Nang, Con Market has been operating for more than 40 years and is among the city's best-known traditional markets, alongside Han Market.

Known for its diverse merchandise and local food stalls, the market attracts both residents and tourists, particularly visitors from Hanoi, South Korea, and India.

During peak tourism periods, Con Market welcomes around 7,000-8,000 visitors daily, compared with 1,200-1,400 during the low season.

Visitors can sample local delicacies, including traditional sweet soups, and purchase regional specialties such as Vietnamese beef sausage and dried squid.

Despite its popularity, much of the market's infrastructure has deteriorated after more than four decades of use.

Con Market currently accommodates more than 2,200 businesses, including nearly 1,700 trading households, with the remainder comprising street vendors and beverage stalls.

As traditional markets face declining sales, Da Nang authorities have been helping traders expand their online presence through e-commerce initiatives and livestream selling training.

Cashless payments now account for 91 percent of transactions at the market.