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Ok, this was ONCE a common and useful tactic. However this was also BEFORE (and perhaps about 15 mths ago!) stall holders found out that travellers were being advised to do this. The stall holders still witnessed everyone trying to use this little "gem" and simply changed their "tactics." Now being (very) astute sales people, the stall holders simply changed their methods to counter it. So what happens now? Ok, before stall holders opened the price at say 200 RMB, and if you got the item for between 60-70 RMB then one often thought "Great I've done well!"
However, NOW aware of this "tactic" stall holders simply open the price, higher, say at 350 RMB. However, the "traveller" (still acting on the old advice) gets them down to 120-130 RMB and closes the deal, feeling that they?ve done a great job! All while not knowing they?ve paid more by playing by old "rules". Ok, the bottom line is that market bargaining is and should always be fun and you shouldn?t argue over 10 RMB (or a 1.50 US) like it?s your last, but obviously the aim of the game is to get the best price!
Enjoy yourself, and if its only 10 RMB (or the $1.50) pay it just for the experience or simply move to another store.
Here are some basic thoughts, not rules;
* Have fun, smile and try and use some Chinese in your bargaining!
* Don?t play by the 30% ONLY rule, its dated!
* If they won?t budge on the price, move to a another stall where they haven?t heard what your last price was (the stalls work
together and won?t undercut each other. At the new one will simply stick to the old price)
* Pay what you think is a fair price
* Expect that it?s not "from the original factory" (which some are, however) or antique!
* If buying children?s clothes be careful as many do not meet your home countries flame retardant regulations
* You?ll pay less outside of Beijing & Shanghai
* The rest you?ll have to join Dragon Bus to find out !
However, seriously getting ripped off is not a good feeling, and independent travel or backpacking in China can mean that some will encounter this. The latest one is being lead by street hawkers to a Tea House (previously was an Art show) where you?re offered Green Tea. When the bill arrives it?s charged at a highly inflated rate. Last time in Beijing, we spoke to two British backpackers who got stung for 900 rmb EACH or around 150 USD! This isn?t good or fun, and like anywhere you need to use common sense!
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