Haggling is the art of bargaining for a good or service below its asking price. We do it all the time when looking for a car, buying a house, or even getting the neighbor’s kid to mow our lawns. However, when most westerners think about buying toothbrushes, pens, etc. we do not usually think about haggling for them. In China, and it may come as a surprise, there are many markets to do just that. Farmer’s markets for food, outdoor, and indoor haggling markets for everyday items, and the price is always negotiable.
Here are some tips and some warnings to watch out for:
Warnings:
Since many foreign visitors have just arrived there are some common problems that may arise from trying to haggle for the first time. 1) They don’t know the current market prices, 2) They still convert their currency over to RMB (don’t do that), and 3) Chinese store owners may raise the price based on the foreigner’s appearance. Be mindful and it will work
out.
Tips:
1) Helpful Chinese – These phrases should be remembered because they will help in haggling. “Duo shao qian” (pronounced “dewo (show)er chee-in”) means, “How much is it?”
“Tai gui le” (pronounced “tie gway luh”) means, “Too expensive!”
“Keyi pianyi yidian ma” (pronounced “kuh-ee pee-an-ee dee-an ma”) means, “Can you make it a little cheaper please?”
2) How much is it worth, really? – It’s good to keep this in mind when shopping for anything. Each person has their own idea on how much something is worth. If the price they give is not what is suitable, then do not agree to it. We can always go higher, but never lower after the initial offer. Remember also, most products are fake at these style of markets. So remember, always start lower than thought, and never increase the price in large increments.
3) Ignore the drama – Some Chinese will play things up, call names, and be generally dismissive at a “low” offer, but just ignore this. It’s all part of the game. If the tension gets high, walk away, they’ll usually offer another price at this point to get the customer to stay.
4) Never be scared to walk away – As stated above, this is the best weapon in the arsenal to gauge whether the price on offer is too low or too high and never look too happy about a purchase, they’ll see it. Walking away is the best thing to do, even if the item is needed, badly. If they offer another price, then their price can go lower.
5) Bring small change – If, after all the haggling has been done and an agreed upon price is met, it’s good to have smaller bills because the stall owner may try to get just a little more out of the transaction by saying things like “Oh,I don’t have that much change, what if we round up?”
One last word of advice, don’t get too hostile towards the vendors. That will win no favors and cause both parties to go away upset. It’s shopping, not a war. Enjoy the interaction with the local people and have a good. Only buy if the price is right. Good luck haggling!
