A no-nonsense guide to negotiating the cunning salesladies and sensory overload at Beijing's famous Silk Market. Reporter, script: Alexandra Stevenson; Cameraman, editor: Rahul Venkit. crienglish.com
The Silk market is not the only place to find good deals. Local markets also offer things like that. Don't bargain in supermarkets/stores or even really street-side vendors. Those are not the place. I would also advise not to say "别骗我“ (Don't trick/fool me) unless you are good friends with the shopkeeper since it is slightly like saying "Stop lying to me" (in a slightly hostile way) One of the best methods is to say "啊，不要，可是谢谢您。“ (Ah, I don't want it, but thank you" and start to slowly walk away without it being too obvious. They won't for sure call you back, but there is a good chance that they will. Then you can go on from there.
If you check that "bargain" carefully .... you will find that it is Rayon = an artificial silk made from cellulose. Of which India and China are the largest producers. To top it up, the Chinese garment manufacturesrs use the cheapest synthetic dyes that are outlawed anywhere outside the China. So by all means, if you don't mind the alergic reactions and eczemas .... do carry on. LOL
Best way is to ask for 75% discount and if the guy is not willing to budge, walk away and the guy will come after you at least 50% discount. Learnt this while traveling in Xi'an with my friend , a very cheap French!!
They aren't really trying to "scam" you, but bargaining is fun, and they don't really mind it. If you do it quickly, maybe aim low and end in the middle, it won't take forever. You can also try to get "two for one" prices, such as if there was an item for 100元 and another for 50元, maybe get 100 for both.
“便宜一点儿“ A little cheaper please “多少钱“ How much “别骗我“ Don't fool/trick me Also based on my experience and being an asian in the asian market, walking away or looking hesitant is also a great way (as they mentioned). It's also good to not look lost or anything. Maybe try and talk to the owner of the shop and be friendly. Do >not< say loudly to friends etc nearby saying "Hey look at this GREAT deal I got!" (May result in a dirty look xD)
