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The Art of Bargaining

Written by christine on 2:34 AM

let me start by enticing you with the products first! :) so u know i'm not buying cip-lak, ugly, cheapskate stuffs.

a very reliable method, learned from first-hand experience under a respectable si-fu -> my mom! hehe..

you will not be cheated anymore. moneyback guaranteed!

3 rules to follow:
1. never stay too long in one stall/shop. unless you want to kena marah.
2. only ask 2 questions if you're interested in the item. how much? what is your best price? after that, leave! [ask with the intention to expect a 50% slash (at least)]
3. don't bother asking for size/new stock if you just want to "see", and not buy.

ok, let me give you an actual scenario...

say, for instance, my bag. the moment i set my eyes on it, i knew it was what i've been looking for all along! nevermind the fact it has no brand :P

i walk past a shop..

me: eh uncle, how much is the bag?
seller: 280! very cheap! real leather you know? whips out a cigarette lighter and demonstrates that it is "fire-proof"..
me: ahh, best price please?
seller: ok la, for you. 200!
me: ok thks! i'll go look arnd first.

walk away, don't even look back. this is where the magic starts...

seller: ok 180..
me:*walks 5 steps*
seller: ok ok!!! 150! last price!! very cheap already!!
me:*goes on walking feeling triumphant and makes a mental note to come bck later because i'm actually quite happy with the price already*
seller: tell me how much you want la. i give! ok, my last offer, 120!
me:*punches fist into the air, makes a little u-turn, and buy the bag!* mission accomplished!

this is after i kena marah from don't know how many stalls because i'm afraid to "offend" them, and i shopped as if i was in a shopping complex, trying everything i want and see.. but i realize that's not the way street market works. the hard way.. my mom taught me the better way, but after she let me try out on my own. so.. don't learn it the hard way! now that you know how to.

happy bargaining.. comes with practice though :)

you can try out your skills at places like petaling street, low yat, bugis street etc. please don't do it in cK or DKNY or something like that. it doesn't work :P