How to Bargain in China
Learn how to shop like a local in China. With the exception of some modern malls and stores, most shops in China don't have price tags on products so shopkeepers will come up with a price depending on the customer. Bargaining is expected so shoppers have to be prepared to first be given a price two to 10 times higher than what the seller will actually accept for the product. Learning some basic bargaining skills will help ensure you don't walk into a gauntlet of shops feeling overwhelmed and then walk away feeling ripped off.
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Instructions
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Find out where the Chinese are shopping. Shop owners will be used to selling things for less. Tourist areas are going be full of shop owners who know they can get more from their buyers.
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Learn some of the shopping lingo. The more experienced you appear, the more the seller will assume you know how things go.
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When possible, plan multiple purchases from the same person rather than buying something here and something there. It’s easier to get cheaper prices on multiple purchases.
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Never look too excited about a product. The more you show you want it, the more the salesperson will assume you’ll pay. If you’re not getting the price you want, begin to walk away and see if she’ll give in. If not, you’re either dealing with a stubborn salesperson or you’re actually asking for too low a price.
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Have exact change for what you want to pay in a shop. Avoid showing wads of money or asking for change from a large bill.
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Tips & Warnings
Find a Chinese friend to go with you so you can familiarize yourself with fair prices, Chinese shopping phrases and bargaining techniques.
Make sure to look around before settling on a purchase in one shop because you'll usually see the same products over and over in different shops.
Remember that bargaining in China is all a game. Each salesperson has his own techniques. Get ready to hear that you’re his friend, that you’re getting an excellent deal because you’re his first customer of the day, and that he is giving you a price that won’t leave him any profit.
