Shopping in Shanghai

Fake Market

How good are you in bargaining? Try looking at the products you own, how often do you see the "Made in China" label? China is not only known for manufacturing almost everything but also known for being good at imitating things. They have many fake markets here where they sell fake designer bags, shoes, clothes, electronics and many more. In order for you to be successful in purchasing things in the fake market, an essential skill one should have is "BARGAINING".

In Chinese Class today, I learned how to bargain in Chinese. To put my skills to test, we went to one of the fake markets in the technology center for shopping. The whole market was so huge that everywhere you go they looked entirely similar. I wonder how tough the competition will be when there are more than 30 shops selling similar stuff.

This is what I learned from my Chinese class to be put to test during my first shopping trip:

1. If you are interested in a product, look at it carefully and ensure that it's a new one. Check to also see if the logo is close to the real one. Since most of the things here are imitation goods, don't expect too much from it. 
2. When you find the thing you like, ask the shopkeeper "多少钱？" (duo shao qian?--how much is it?).
3. Most likely, the shopkeeper will give you a price which is incredibly inflated, so always start by saying "太贵了！" (tai gui le!--too expensive!) in a shocked voice.
4. So this is your time to bargain. The first thing is to take 50% off the original price. This is difficult as the shopkeeper will most probably tell you No No No, too little. But you should stick to your price and keep bargaining. 
5. You now want to ask the shopkeeper to reduce the price, most probably she will take out a calculator to type the price. And you should say  "便宜一点儿" (pian yi yi dianer--a little cheaper). 
6. The shopkeeper will now talk to you about how good their product is, how great the functions of your product is. They will do this in hopes you will buy at their calling price. However, don't give in and continue bargaining. And if the shopkeeper does not want to bargain anymore. Just say "我不买了" (wo bu mai le--I won't buy it) and leave the store. I would say that about 80% of the time, they will call you back saying OK OK, pay money.

What I found out is that as long as they could sell their products, they will gain a little. It's better than losing their potential customers.

This is how I bargained and it helps. The things I bought below cost about 300 yuen ($50) only.