China Travel tips_Bargaining 101 (i)

Introduction:

There's a saying around here: "Everything in China is negotiable." Shopping, buying and selling, they're all games. The seller plays and the buyer plays. Most of the time it's amiable but sometimes tempers flare and I've seen live fish being whipped at shoppers who deride the merchandise and punches being thrown in the marketplace. Have no fear, in the tourist-trade, everyone's out to make a deal and you just have to learn the rules.

Rule #1: Learn a few catch Chinese phrases:

Nothing opens the door for you like a Ni hao ma?, (How are you?) or a Duo shao qian?, (How much?). Don't worry, you will not be plunged headfirst into a Chinese conversation. Nothing is bought or sold without the ubiquitous large format calculator. Whole transactions can be wordless as you hand the calculator back and forth. But opening with some Chinese will ease you up to the bargaining table and will put a smile on the vendor's face. Read Chinese Phrases for Travelers to learn some phrases.

Rule #2: Start at a fraction of the asking price:

Deciding how low to begin your side of the bargaining depends on what you're shopping for. Typically, if shopping for inexpensive items, I'll go 25-50%. For example, a porcelain tea cup should probably be about 25rmb (US$ 3). If the seller asks for 50rmb, I'll offer 15rmb and work up from there. If the item is very expensive, it's better to start lower, say 10% of the asking price, so you have more room to maneuver. There's nothing more disappointing in a bargaining game than starting too high.

Rule #3: Practice a little on inexpensive items:

Before you have your heart set on something, practice bargaining a little for something to which you are less attached and can therefore walk away if need be. Small inexpensive items like tea pots, fans and chopsticks can all be good things to buy for souvenirs. Warm up a little before you get into the higher ticket items.

Rule #4: Take your time:

Being in a rush is the bane of the bargainer's existence. Time is not on your side: the vendor has all the time in the world, he can sell his trinket tomorrow. You are on a plane tomorrow morning and you've left yourself an hour to do your shopping.

If you can, take time and don't be rushed. If the seller isn't coming down on the item you want, walk away and peruse other stalls. You might find it cheaper elsewhere and you can use the price to drive the other vendor down.

Posted at 01:02AM Mar 14, 2009 by admin in China Travel  |  Comments[0]