Bargaining in China

I recently went to Beijing and experienced shopping there for the first time. As you may know, everything seems to be 'Made in China', so you can expect a lot of imitations over there, especially in the markets.

The first market I went to was called the Silk Market and during my stay, I visited this market frequently, mostly because it was the closest- within walking distance. However to get a good price and to keep yourself from freaking out, you'll really need to know how to bargain. The sales people are like vultures, they literally pull you in to their stores. Then when you ask how much an item is, they'll take advantage of you being a foreigner and quote a ridiculous price. Even for me as a Chinese, they can tell that I'm not local so will still give a high number.

I'll give you a few examples of how ridiculous the prices are. My mom saw a nice dress on display and when she asked how much it was the woman quoted her RMB1200, which is approximately RM600. Then while my mom was trying to bargain with her, another lady came in and asked the price. The saleslady went even higher and told her RMB1400. It's actually quite hilarious when you think about it.

Then there are those who will say something like, "Normally, I will give RMB600, but for you I give RMB200, OK?" To make you feel special and to trick you into buying. This happens a lot; once when I asked the price of a cap she typed out on her calculator 400, then said "but for you because you can speak Mandarin, I give 160." My Mandarin is not that good. And what if I could speak other languages, would she go even lower?

In addition, most of them know a little bit of English because that's a tourist spot, but they can also be sarcastic. I went to multiple stores looking for a certain type of pants and in this one store, my dad told the saleswoman, "RMB150 for three." She replied "150 cannot even buy one!" and as we were leaving, I heard her say, "What you think you're buying, socks? Underwear?" That, needless to say has been constantly mentioned in my family. [I bought three at another store for RMB100 each]

You shouldn't settle at the numbers they first quote because it'll be way overpriced, wait until they're desperate and when it's low enough that you think it's worth it, then go for it. Here's a guideline on how to bargain in China:

1. Ask how much it is.
2. If it's ridiculous (99.9% chance that it is), ask yourself do you really need it and if you have energy. If not- get out. Bargaining is very tiresome and saps all your energy.
3. If you really like it, then after they have given you a number, quote them a price that you think is suitable and that you are willing to pay.
4. They will say that's too low and go a bit lower on their end. Stick with your number.
5. If after several repeats they still don't accept your number, slowly walk out. Most of them will call you back and agree to your number or at least a number close to yours. If not, find another shop selling the same stuff and who is willing to sell to you.
6. If you can't find any other shops willing to go as low, you'll have to increase your offer or forget about getting it.

In the end, remember that whatever price they agree to, they will still be making a profit. This is obvious in the way they play with the numbers; first quoting 1000+ and then drastically dropping to 300. Go with what you are comfortable with and know that quite a lot of them are rude or pretend to be offended. It's a gimmick, don't fall for it. They'll also tell you all this nonsense about how the quality is the best and how it's special and whatever - I call bull.

Being in Beijing for less than three weeks has made me a bargaining queen- not really, but I hope this helps in some way and happy shopping!