19.3.2010 16:59 in Business Announcements Forum
Christmas time is shopping time. In Suzhou there are many little small vendors/shops it's nice to walk around and look at what they offer. Clothes, Toys, Food and much more are very cheap compared to developed countries.
The most major shopping malls do not bargain, but there have at this time discounts called "dazhe" 打折 or "zhé" 折. The system can be quite confusing to non-Chinese speakers, because the percentage quoted are the amount that you have to pay. For example "8 zhe" 8折 is 20% off and you have to pay the remaining 80%.
Bargaining is normally acceptable in most of the small shops. When you prepare to buy an article, you'd better check the price in different shops to get a general idea about the price. In China almost nothing is bought or sold without the ubiquitous large format calculator.
Some Rules should be followed to find out the lowest price possible.
I starting always with some nice easy Chinese phrases like "Ni hao ma" (How are you) or "Duo shao qian" (How much). Ask the price, and when they answer, laugh loudly and reply with an absurdly low price like 5% - 15% of the calling price. Most time now there call you crazy or something else and say "No". Look at the item a bit longer, then start to leave. Usually there call you back with a much more lower price as the first one there give to you. Remember this second called price and start bargaining. I always use now a price level around 50% - 75% of the last called price. Try to find some flaws on the article as a excuse of depreciation. Be stubborn and persistent when bargaining, but keep smiling. Don't feel sorry for the seller. Vendors love to play like you've ruined their day with your hard bargaining. You'll hear everything from "Now my child won't have any dinner," to "You are getting this for less than I paid for it!" All lies! The vendor is making a profit, don't you worry. They are not going to sell you anything out of the goodness of their hearts.
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. Please keep you eyes on the article, ensure that the article you take is the one you want since there are some dishonest shop keepers who will replace the purchased products with shoddy ones.
Some general hints:
Take your time!
Time is not on your side, the vendor has all the time in the world. Being in a rush is the bane of the bargainer's existence.
Be careful with your belongings!
Crowded markets are a pick-pocket's haven. If you can, divide your cash up in several places (front pockets, money belt, wallet, purse).
It is really enjoyable to buy at a price you are satisfied with try it.
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