Shopping and Bargain tips

Bargaining is normally acceptable in most of the small shops in China. Bargaining can be great fun when you're in the mood, and saves you a lot of money. Sometimes, bargaining is more enjoyable than the purchase itself. Here're some bargain tips:

Find a Chinese friend to go with you so you can familiarize yourself with fair prices, Chinese shopping phrases and bargaining techniques.

Offer half of the asking price and work from there.

Try to find some flaws on the article as a excuse of depreciation.

Be stubborn and persistent when bargaining, but keep smiling.

Walk away if you find the price unacceptable, you can always come back later.

If the shop man detains you, it may mean he is close to accepting your offer, and with a little more discussion will accept.

Once the shopkeeper accepts your price, do not try to beat him down again since it would be unfair. After all, the shopkeeper has agreed to the price you have proposed.

Don't name a price unless you absolutely have to. Just keep saying the vendor's price is too expensive.

Don't worry if the vendor seems annoyed - it's all part of the act.

If you can't get the price you want, walk away. If the vendor calls you back it's because they're willing to negotiate. If they don't then try somewhere else.

Don't act nervous or shy. When you ask a price you know they're not going to accept, say it like you think they will.

Don't pay too much attention to labels. In places with fake goods, prices on labels are often ridiculously high.

Keep in mind what time it is. The best time to get good bargains is closing time; suddenly the vendors start being realistic and try to get rid of their wares by the end of the day.

Bring small change. Do NOT walk around with a wad of pink 100RMB notes and don't use your credit cards at the market. If you tell them, "but I only have 50RMB, that's all I can pay", many times they will sell it to you at that price once they think you don't have more.

Don't act too interested and don't get attached to whatever you are bargaining for. If you are in a market, chances are there are 10 other stalls selling the exact same thing. Browse around so you know more or less in what range the item should cost, sometimes you can get something for half the price right next door when that vendor realizes you didn't buy from the first vendor.

Find out where the Chinese are shopping. Shop owners will be used to selling things for less. Tourist areas are going be full of shop owners who know they can get more from their buyers.

Learn some of the shopping lingo. The more experienced you appear, the more the seller will assume you know how things go.

When possible, plan multiple purchases from the same person rather than buying something here and something there. It's easier to get cheaper prices on multiple purchases.

Edited by Bruce,

Author/Editor By : HCT