U9O.net: You and I Know.

Tips:

If you are obviously a foreigner, it may seem difficult to bargain or haggle on items. With some items you can bargain as much as 20% of the original price (80% off the original price). Here are some tips:

1. Be prepared to walk away. You can probably find that t-shirt somewhere else for a lot cheaper. That being that, know what the standard price is for items. A tshirt for 100 rupees can be found– a brand name knock off can be found for 200-300 rupees.
2. If you are buying a lot of stuff, it’s easier to bargain. My favorite tactic is bargain a price for two items. Then add about 3 more items. A 1000 rupees, equivalent to around 20 US dollars, is quite a chunk of change, and it’s eaiser to bargain when you make it more profitable for the merchant. Then ask the total price for the 5 items– he will most likely give you a non discounted price taking into account the 5 items you now have. Now bargain for a little bit. Then if he won’t budge, then take away the additional 3 items you purchased. He will budge, of course. That will usually give you another 5% – 10% in savings.
3. Don’t ever be pressured into buying anything on the street. Just say no. If a no won’t work and they start to pull at your shirt, then snap your arms and give them a ridiculously low price (1 ruppee for a t-shirt, for example). If they still won’t leave you alone, then don’t be afraid to use an authoritative voice. This tactic works when there is a lot of people around, since you don’t see venders in uncrowded spots. Be aware if it’s a deserted road, since they might not be a merchant at all.
4. Brand names of all kinds can be found in Bangalore– made in Thailand and are usually good facimilles, although the quality isn’t there. You’ll see all kinds of brands: Gucci, Chanel, Coach, Diesel, etc. Be aware that these are nowhere near the quality of the real thing (they start to fray after a day or two), but some items, such as t-shirts, are just as good as the real thing. Bags, not so much.
5. If buying pirated DVD’s, be sure to ask if it’s a good quality. They will usually be honest. That being that, buying a lot of stuff will make you friends really quickly.
6. Like anywhere else, if you are a former customer, expect better service. It’s also easier in Bangalore to be a good customer than in a lot of places, since everything is much more inexpensive.
7. NEVER agree to the first “agreed” upon figure the merchant throws out. Walk away. He might call out an even lower figure. Don’t worry about him making a good profit, he will never sell lower than what he needs.
8. If the merchant throws out the standard line of wanting to eat, needs to feed his family, etc, use some sarcastic acting. Remark at how big his store is and how many employees he has, and how you didn’t get to where you are by being an idiot. Or say that you agree, he will go out of business rather quickly if this one transaction will make or break him. The delivery is important– keep it light-hearted. Both of you will laugh and possibly drop the price down a little.
9. Keep two sets of wallets. One with a small amount of money, and the other with a lot of money. In fact, it’s better for haggling purpose to just pull money from your pocket. If the quoted figure is 600 rupees, maybe pull out a 500 and say that’s all you have. And walk away.

Remember at all times that if it’s not profitable for the merchant, he wouldn’t be selling it to you. So haggling won’t put him out of business– that’s his responsiblity. It’s your responsibility to not get ripped off.