Travel Tips

Bargaining

Bargaining is quite a necessary skill when shopping in China. By learning how to bargain, you can not only save a lot of money, but also have an enjoyable shopping experience. Most shops are open to bargaining. The exceptions include large shopping malls, supermarkets and specialty shops where prices are fixed. But sometimes even the shopping malls will also give you a discount if you bargain. You may ask if the item might be 'cheaper' to which the seller will notify you whether it is possible. 

1. Begin by doing your market research. Complete some comparison shopping in different shops. Don't go for it as soon as you are interested in it. Sometimes the seller even asks more than half of the normal price. 

2. If you're interested in an item, try not to reveal it. If the seller thinks you really want an item, he or she will keep the price firmly set. 

3. You should point out some disadvantages about the item of interest even if you know it is fine enough. In recognition of the bad quality, the seller will naturally become more flexible with the price.

4. Propose a price lower than you are willing to pay and then raise it little by little if the seller disagrees. When proposing a price, act as if you are very familiar with the prevailing market price. 

5. If the seller doesn't agree on the price you propose, you can also pretend to walk-away. If the price is reasonable the seller will stop you. If it is not acceptable, he or she will let you leave. You'll learn that this was the actual price and can always buy it at another shop.