Are you able to bargain?

India
April 22, 2008 12:02pm CST
Hi All, I want to tell you that i can't bargain, i am a fool in this case. Whenever i go to a shop i pay more and come out. This time i have decied to learn how to bargain, So i took my mom with me and i was just watching how she does, We were planing to buy a shirt cloth and she started asking what is the cost of towel? the sales man replied 80Rs, then she ask what is the cost of that paint cloth outside the shop, the salesman replied 250 rs, my mom: what is the cost of shirt cloth the salesman replied 200 rs and then she stoped ... the sales man was frustrated but cant do anything (thank god he didnt kicked us out) my mom: i can give only 125 rs for this shirt cloth, so the sales man went to the shop owner and confirmed the rate to 150rs, sorry mam we can give this cloth at 150rs, so my mom said i will buy it.. When i came out i told my mom, i dont want to learn how to bargain. i dont want to be kicked out from a shop. I will prefer to buy a costly shirt. lol. enjoy
1 person likes this
2 responses
@lishiwei (1550)
• China
22 Apr 08
I think I'm good at bargaining.Becaue my parents always let me buy the things I want by myself since I went to school far from my family.So I have many experiences.I also can know what they think of when I go to buy the things.Hehe...So many of my friend want to me together with them when they want to buy something.I think it's very good.
@Remando (175)
22 Apr 08
Aw I'm sorry to hear about your experience! Personally I do love to barter, but I wasn't always so confortable with it. I have had a few trips abroad to countries in Africa, where you have to barter for EVERYTHING, including toilet roll, water, taxi rides, bus rides and even all of your food. Because of this, I was forced to learn to barter, and the more I did it, the more I loved it. I would make it fun, chat to the shopkeeper first, and then barter over the price. Be cheeky; if you seem likable they will certainly come down even more in price! Remember if you don't ask you don't get! But, on the other hand, if you really don't like it then that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you at all, if you're happy to pay full price and it's less stressful, then that's really fine too, I wouldn't beat yourself up about it, plenty of people are the same. The best tip I can give barterers is to not take bargaining too seriously; try to just have fun with it. Some expect you to barter with them, and I think if you look at it was just an extension of conversation and don't limit it to just 'I want to pay this' then you and the shopkeeper will have fun, and, who knows, you might make new friends! :) Have a great day :)