18 How to Bargain

This blog will tell you of some of the things that I employ while bargaining in a local market buying things.  Bargaining has been in our psyche since a very long time even when we did not have money.  Earlier people used to bargain and barter things with each other.  So when something is so ingrained in our psyche, it will naturally come out from somewhere or the other!!

I strengthened my bargaining skills in Delhi where I spent the initial 30 years of my life!!  I used to stay in a place called Karol Bagh. Every Monday, there was a Monday market, wherein the shops on Ajmal Khan Road would be closed and both sides of the road’s footpath would be covered by different vendors spreading out their wares on the footpath and waiting for customers to stop and purchase stuff.  You can buy just about anything in these so-called “shops” and at a bargain price!!

A lot of people from other parts of India used to come to Delhi for vacation and this place was a not-to-be-missed item in their agenda.  Just for these tourists, I had a feeling that the shopkeeper used to increase the price and quote.  For any shopping, I used to escort my relatives/friends for shopping during their visit to Delhi.  Normally this was my routine at all the shops.  For any price quoted by the shopkeeper, you quote a price which was 50% of what he quoted.  Depending on his answer/looks, I then decided the next course of action.  If he comes down with a counter offer, it means he is willing to bargain and reach a conclusion.  Then you bargain and arrive at a compromised price.

If he is dismissive of you, it means you have quoted a much lower price and you can increase your quote by 10% more and then check for his response again. Once you keep doing it, you can easily judge that at what price he will be willing to sell you the product.

In case you don’t arrive at a mutually-agreed price, you leave the shop and browse at another nearby shop for some time.  This is just to give some time to the shopkeeper to think about your offer.  Most of the time, he will call you back and bargain again.  You stick to your price or increase it by 5-10% and say that is your final price.  If he has called you, he has decided to sell you the product and only the price is to be determined.  You take your time and stick to your new price.  He will definitely come to that price and sell you the product. 

In case you are not able to get the product at your price, don’t fret.  There will be other shops around who will be offering you the product at the price that you have decided.  Once you get the product, don’t forget to flaunt the product to the shopkeeper who did not agree to your price, on your way back!!  Next time you visit his shop during some other time; he will complete his end of bargain and sell you the product!!

You can also bargain in shops even if they have a “no bargain” board put up!!  Just increase the quantity of purchase and he might come down on the price.  It depends on the shopkeeper’s mood!

Happy bargain-shopping!!

Today’s daffy definition

Bargain – A transaction in which each party thinks he has cheated the other!!