Give me your price.....let's meet halfway.... (Bargaining)

Member Name: genmil

Product:	Bargaining
Date:	13/03/09 (107 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: novel, can be fun at times

Disadvantages: tiresome

Do you enjoy bargaining? Would you bargain for the sake of it?

I have never enjoyed bargaining even though I was brought up in the environment where it is a norm to bargain. Bargaining started as a form of negotiation for the best price on products we want. However, nowadays, I feel bargaining is becoming more of a challenge for buyers to bring the price down as much as they can. Sellers are also becoming smart as they raise their initial offer price to a certain level knowing that buyers are going to haggle for a better price anyway.

There also times where you just know that the price is fair but due to the need to bargain and the suspicion that the price can be further reduced, you will bargain anyway.

Though I find bargaining tiresome, here are some tips which I have picked up in my travels:

1. Always start your asking price, 60% below the offer price. Most sellers know that buyers are going to start at that price hence they would have already made provision for it. After which, both you and the seller would probably start your bargaining till a satisfying price is reached.

2. Before you start bargaining, set a price you would like to pay in your mind. Do not pay for more than you think it is worth. At the same time, do not be unreasonable with the price you are willing to pay.

3. Learn to walk away. Do not show that you really like the product as it is a buying signal to the seller. One of my favourite lines is: 'It looks interesting but I don't really need it.' Sometimes, the seller will pull you back and offer a better price. However, if the seller let you go, that could be the sign that your price is really unrealistic.

4. Compare prices with different stalls. Do not turn down a seller completely if the price isn't right; tell them you will think about it. Go the other similar stalls before making any purchase.

5. Be polite and do not insult the sellers if they refuse to lower the price further. At this point, you have to decide if you really want the product and if you can get them at other stalls. Sometimes, if you feel the price is fair, make your purchase as you might not get the same product or offer again especially when you have limited time.

The expectation of buyers and sellers in a bargaining situation make bargaining seems like a game. Frankly, I would prefer visiting a fixed price shop. I make my choice on whether I will pay for the indicated fixed price without going through the process of haggling.

Anyhow, bargaining could be fun and a novelty in your travel but remember to be fair with your price demand.

Summary: Do you enjoy bargaining?