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Go Time.

I know I've only been in China a couple of weeks, but I've been here long enough to learn a few things. Like for example, sometimes people want more than to just "practice English". Well after the last experience I blogged about, I realized I needed to take a moment, reflect and prepare myself for my next adventure. More specifically-The Market.

There are a couple of markets that are highlighted as "must sees" in Shanghai. One in particular focuses on cheap designer knock offs, which just happens to be the kind of clothing I like. Since my general trust for the good of humanity had already been taken advantage of a few times, I was determined it was not going to happen today. Fortunately, my years of garage saling was finally going to pay off. Here are some basic rules, I came up with:

Rule #1: Never Say No.
I know what you are thinking, "Derek, have you not learned anything? No, is the one thing you must know!" Well, I understand where you are coming from but it just seems so negative. So instead my new philosophy is "let them tell you no". Here's how it works.

Everywhere you go you have some lady or man trying to sell you postcards, umbrellas, whatever, none of which you want. So as you walk down the street a lady comes up and says toothlessly, "Hallo, Hallo. Postcards 1 for 10 Yuan." Well rather than saying no twenty times to the same persistent question, I make a counter such as. "10 postcards for 1 Yuan". Now I may have to repeat myself once or twice to make sure they understood, because generally there is a blank stare. The blank stare is then followed up with either a laugh and walk away or look of disgust and walk away. But almost always-a walk away.

Rule #2: Offer Low...No Lower.
Everyone knows you never accept the asking price. But when you are new to China, you might still be a little hesitant to bargain. For example, an Irish buddy I was hanging out with who paid 220 Y for shorts that started at 250 Y. Poor thing. I had to pull him aside right away and explain you never buy the first thing you come across and always offer low. I mean ridiculously low. If they scoff you are on the right track.

Rule #3: Walk Away.
This is the most important lesson of all. After you've found something you are interested in and have made a disgustingly low offer, you will always be greeted with a "No way". If you've done really well you get a "Get out of my country". Perfect. Now turn and walk at least 5 steps. But you say, "What if you really want it? And anyway it's only $20 USD which is still a steal." Don't worry. Usually on step four, they say start screaming. "Wait! Wait!" If they don't start screaming you go to the next booth and try the same. Then if it doesn't work there, you return with a slightly higher price.

For example, I see a tee shirt I like, a nice Timberland knock off. "You like? I give you great price. Usually $180 Yuan, for you $150." (By the way all prices are entered into a hand calculator and shown to alleviate any confusion.) I then take the calculator clear the 150 and type in 20. Yes 2 0. Just as planned the scoff. If it's good English they'll tell you they can't buy at that price. They offer $130. Me-$30. Scoff. Turn and walk. "Ok Ok, no joking tell me your price. I give good deal." Fine. $40. "Ok how bout 90." Turn and walk. Now I want you to know that I was at least 2 booths away (twice!) with her grabbing my arm draggin me back. And yes I got my shirt for $40 Yuan ($5 USD).

Mission Accomplished.

posted by Travelin' D @ 7:35 PM