Articles Written by Our International Teachers

Shopping in China

by Erica Sowell
Joined since: 2005 - 2006

Origin: U.S.A

For the past four months I’ve been in China I have come to learn a great deal about Chinese culture and myself. One of the most exciting aspects of Chinese culture that has thrilled me the most has been the act of shopping. I have come to realize that in China to negotiate prices when shopping is almost always expected. The only times there is an exception to this rule occurs when one is shopping in a chain store or a state owned store. You can negotiate almost anything, which has surprised me the most. The bigger the item, the more you are expected to negotiate. But even small items like clothes, tools, groceries, and jewelry can be negotiated.

The most important thing to remember when shopping in China is that you must negotiate for everything from paperclips to bananas because negotiation is expected. This means the price on the item is never what they expect you to pay. It is always more. If you pay the ticket price, you have paid too much. In fact, if you pay the ticket price you are a fool, and they will certainly think this. Also I have learned that it is extremely important for foreigners to bargain because many Chinese merchants have encountered foreigner shoppers that did not know about bargaining or how to bargain and paid too much. Thus, Chinese merchants often try to make a bigger profit on foreigner shoppers.

I have always been an avid shopper so I have been determined to master the skill of shopping in China. Thus, I have learned certain tips about negotiating prices that has helped make my shopping experience more enjoyable. First, always be polite. Being rude or condescending or suspicious will not get you far in negotiation. It is far more effective just to be polite. Remember that the person you are negotiating with is just a person. If you are nice to them, they will be more inclined to help you.

Second, let them know that you are serious and that you will buy this product if they offer you the right deal. Take your time looking before you open the bidding. They will often speak right up and tell you what price they want before you ask. Keep your eyes down. Do not look them in the face until you bargain and they arrive at a price you will consider. If the salesperson is not sure whether you will buy, they will not put everything into getting your wallet.

Third, don't act too interested. Just standing in front of the counter and looking will be enough to attract their attention. Maintain a “poker face”. If you act too interested, the merchant will think you are ready to pay any price and will refuse to go lower. They will not offer you the best possible deal. Just let them know that you are in the market and will buy, if they offer the right deal. This then makes it their job to sell it, which is what they are trained to do.

Fourth, do not begin with an offer unless you really know the market you are shopping. If the merchant agrees to your first offer, you can be sure he could have gone much lower. Never say things like “I only have $20.00”. You can say things like “I cannot /will not buy it at that price.” If you are still standing at their stall, they know you are still interested. Let them find ways to bargain down. If it is not your culture- you can never be sure what they can offer in the way of a reduction. It is their job to find an answer that you can afford… not yours. You can also say, “That is above my budget”, but keep a smile on your face. Start by asking what price the merchant wants for something. Immediately cut it by two thirds. You will then be settling on a price between 1/3 and ½ of what they first quoted you.

Fifth, watch closely and take note of their body language. If they are not interested in selling, you will get that feeling. Good salespeople will get more from your body language than from what you say. Especially if your common language of “shopping and bargaining” is limited. Do not be afraid to react to a price if it is too high (and the first quote or two is always too high). You do not always have to verbally respond. If you are not happy with the price, they will start lowering it without you asking. Have patience. The general rule is that the longer you wait the cheaper it gets. Competition is fierce. Salespeople need the sale and have little incentives available to them. This may be an extra little gift or a final mark down. Let them tell you what it is. They wait until the end to really offer the deal breaker.

Lastly, do not be afraid to walk away. You are the customer and need to comparison shop! You can always come back. Thank them for their time and walk away. They will often make a deal before you reach the door, rather than see you leave the shop because in tourist places the same thing is offered just up the street and your merchant knows this. Their competitor may be willing to bargain lower. Their job is to make a sale at that moment. Even if it is at the lowest possible price. Money in your hand today is better than a promise of money tomorrow. This is your goal, to get to the lowest possible price.

All in all, shopping in China has proved to be both exciting and rewarding. I am often less likely to buy things that a really don’t want or need because so much work goes into the process, which has been really good for my pocketbook. Also I am extremely proud of myself when I am able to get the merchant down to the price I want to pay. Bargaining while shopping in China has become one of the many things I love about this country and I am sure there will be much more to come!