Asia seems to bring out the shopper in us, even in those who don’t have it in our nature. But there is just something about visiting a flea market in the likes of Honk Kong or Bangkok which seems to pull out our purse and buy things which we would never dream of buying at home. Or in many cases, even see at home. Not only are there vast amounts of stalls in many flea markets but the prices are tempting to even the rarest of shoppers. The prices that you see, however, are not the prices you can or want to buy at. If you know how to haggle, you can get far lower prices. Here are a few tips on how to help you with the art of haggling.
If you take the time to learn the local dialect, you will put yourself in a stronger position. However, math is the important language here so ensure to take a calculator with you and stay on the ball when talking numbers.
Ask for a far lower price than advertised to start off with and the vendor will take the figure back up again. If he meets you half way, you have yourself a good deal.
If you wish to buy a number of items, find a vendor who is selling at least most of what you are looking for. If you buy in large quantities, haggling becomes easier. It would be viewed as a wholesale purchase and more easily justifiable in the eyes of the vendor to offer you a discount.
The vendors will treat you differently if you are not of Asian descent and have blonde hair, especially. They will offer you higher prices, far higher prices. It is up to you to make some calculations in your head before you even attempt to haggle with them. You will find it in your favour if you avoid wearing anything which could be construed as flashy as if they think, for any reason, you have money to burn, they will factor this into their price.
Find a bargin all inclusive holiday without trying.
