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Bargaining Tips - How to haggle in Beijing
One of the best things about shopping in Beijing is the markets. In fact, everything from Prada bag, embroidery, to
Beijing Opera Masks and handmade earrings can be found somewhere in Beijing if you know where to look. The
key things to remember: bargain for everything. Outside of the department stores, credit cards are rarely
accepted. So carry cash with you.
It's also highly unlikely you'll be given a receipt. Nevertheless, if you are unhappy with anything, the quicker you
take it back, the more likely the shop assistant is to fix or replace any damaged goods.
Sales items are marked differently here, showing the percentage of the price you pay, not the percentage of the
discount.
Bargaining is a given and always assume you'll be quoted around three times the real price to begin with.
Only engage in bargaining when you are committed to buy. One of the first things that will surprise foreign
shoppers is the persistence of Chinese salespeople. While milling about you'll be peppered with comments such
as, "I give you a good price" and "Come and take a look." Some salespeople will even grab your arm and try to
stop you. But don't waste your time. There's too much to see and do, so keep plowing through the aisles until you
come across something you really want.
Take your time. Once you've found an item you like, don't look too eager. Examine the product for any possible
scratches or any problems with the stitching on the fabric. Don't just assume the quality is good. This also shows
the salesperson that you won't be a pushover. Shop staff will start the negotiations with an exorbitant price. Then
you can counter back with a figure that is lower than you think you can get, and try to stay as close to that price for
as long as possible.
Speaking A little Chinese Helps. Most vendors know some basic English, but it's always nice to bargain in their
native tongue. No one expects you to become a native Chinese speaker out of the blue, but here are a few simple
phrases that could make your life easier.
duo shao qian - How Much?
Tai gui le - Too expensive.
Bu yao - Don't want.
wo ke yi shi chuan ma? - May I try this on?
Xie xie - Thank you
Be prepared to Walk away. If you've reached an impasse during your bargaining and it doesn't look like either of
you will budge, just walk away. Tell the salesperson sorry and then walk down the aisle. More often than not they
will come after you or call you back to the stall with a cheaper price. Be reluctant about coming back, and make
sure to negotiate for a price on your terms. If the salesperson is a little annoyed at you when you make your
transaction, you've probably gotten a good deal.
Relax and Have fun. Remember to have fun. Bargaining takes practice, so don't stress out if you don't get the
price you want the first time around. The more you bargain, the better you'll get.
One of the best things about shopping in Beijing is the markets. In fact, everything from Prada bag, embroidery, to
Beijing Opera Masks and handmade earrings can be found somewhere in Beijing if you know where to look. The
key things to remember: bargain for everything. Outside of the department stores, credit cards are rarely
accepted. So carry cash with you.
It's also highly unlikely you'll be given a receipt. Nevertheless, if you are unhappy with anything, the quicker you
take it back, the more likely the shop assistant is to fix or replace any damaged goods.
Sales items are marked differently here, showing the percentage of the price you pay, not the percentage of the
discount.
Bargaining is a given and always assume you'll be quoted around three times the real price to begin with.
Only engage in bargaining when you are committed to buy. One of the first things that will surprise foreign
shoppers is the persistence of Chinese salespeople. While milling about you'll be peppered with comments such
as, "I give you a good price" and "Come and take a look." Some salespeople will even grab your arm and try to
stop you. But don't waste your time. There's too much to see and do, so keep plowing through the aisles until you
come across something you really want.
Take your time. Once you've found an item you like, don't look too eager. Examine the product for any possible
scratches or any problems with the stitching on the fabric. Don't just assume the quality is good. This also shows
the salesperson that you won't be a pushover. Shop staff will start the negotiations with an exorbitant price. Then
you can counter back with a figure that is lower than you think you can get, and try to stay as close to that price for
as long as possible.
Speaking A little Chinese Helps. Most vendors know some basic English, but it's always nice to bargain in their
native tongue. No one expects you to become a native Chinese speaker out of the blue, but here are a few simple
phrases that could make your life easier.
duo shao qian - How Much?
Tai gui le - Too expensive.
Bu yao - Don't want.
wo ke yi shi chuan ma? - May I try this on?
Xie xie - Thank you
Be prepared to Walk away. If you've reached an impasse during your bargaining and it doesn't look like either of
you will budge, just walk away. Tell the salesperson sorry and then walk down the aisle. More often than not they
will come after you or call you back to the stall with a cheaper price. Be reluctant about coming back, and make
sure to negotiate for a price on your terms. If the salesperson is a little annoyed at you when you make your
transaction, you've probably gotten a good deal.
Relax and Have fun. Remember to have fun. Bargaining takes practice, so don't stress out if you don't get the
price you want the first time around. The more you bargain, the better you'll get.