Bargaining is a necessary shopping skill in China. It helps you saving money and also a fun game that tests your intelligence and judgment. Every game has its own rules, just as bargaining does in China. How can you reach your expected price and how can you ensure you’re not refused by sellers? Here are five tips to help you:
1. Where Should You Bargain and What For?
- What for: inexpensive items, handicrafts, souvenirs, and objects that don’t have clearly marked prices
- Where: markets, small stores, and street stalls
- Exclude these situations: goods with clear prices, large or high-grade shopping malls and shops, chain stores, and supermarkets
2. How Much Should You Bargain?
This isn’t set in stone. For most products, you should negotiate a discount at half of the original price given by the seller. If the seller looks happy and there is no hesitation after hearing your price, you will know that he/she must have earned more than he/she was expecting to.
3. Before You Bargain for an Item
- Judge whether the item you want to buy is also being sold in numerous stores nearby. If so, it’s very common in this area and it shouldn’t cost too much.
- Prepare yourself. Dress simply — try to avoid wearing expensive clothes and luxurious accessories.
- Take some small change. Don’t display large denominations of money to sellers. You should pretend that you only have a little money on you.
- If possible, learn some practical Chinese language before you bargain. Most of the sellers can’t understand English or other languages, and they think that all foreigners are wealthy.
4. During the Bargaining Session
- Pretend that you are not very interested in anything. If you show your preference for an item, the seller may give you a higher price than for other items.
- Don’t tell him/her your expected price. Usually, you can’t judge how much you should pay until you have completed the deal.
- Take your time. Try to be patient and continue to test what the lowest price limit is.
5. The Best Bargain Deal
- As you approach the end of the bargaining session, the seller’s expression may not be as happy as it was before. This means you must have got a good deal because you have cut the price down as much as you can.
- Then use the trump card — walk away. If the seller shouts out to you when you are going to walk away, it means you have won this bargaining game.
Finally, think of bargaining in China as a game or a special experience. Don’t feel like you are losing face and don’t feel sorry for the sellers. They experience bargaining with consumers every day. If you don’t bargain with a seller, he/she won’t appreciate that. Take it easy and enjoy this game.