Con Market in Da Nang has introduced explicit limits on how much a vendor may increase a price. The policy is designed to shield shoppers from excessive mark‑ups while still allowing the customary bargaining that defines Vietnamese markets.

According to Phan Thanh Thoai, head of Con Market’s management board, any vendor who quotes a price 15 % or more above the agreed selling price can be suspended for up to fifteen days, and in severe cases the trading contract may be terminated. Mark‑ups below the 15 % threshold remain acceptable, preserving the long‑standing tradition of negotiation. This balance aims to deter price gouging without eliminating the market’s lively haggling culture.

Shoppers are encouraged to report violations directly to market management, where disciplinary action can be taken. Penalties range from a three‑day suspension to a fifteen‑day ban, and repeated or serious breaches can lead to contract termination. The reporting system gives consumers a practical tool to enforce the rule.

Phan Thanh Thoai noted that the market has received no complaints about price gouging over the past three to four years, suggesting that the stricter enforcement has improved trading practices. This record underscores the effectiveness of the combined monitoring and penalty approach.

In short, Con Market’s clear price‑markup limits, coupled with a straightforward complaint channel, create a safer shopping environment while respecting the cultural habit of bargaining. Vendors who ignore the rules face swift sanctions, reinforcing fair trade for all.