Posted by Geoff on Thursday, 15. October 1998 at 07:07 Bali Time:
In Reply to: CLOTHES - PLEASE ANSWER posted by Jones on Wednesday, 14. October 1998 at 22:38 Bali Time:
I think you got the answers but I'll just add a bit.
The markets (esp Art Market near Kuta Central) are the cheapest places but XXL is limited and you have to go through the bargaining bullshit to establish prices. That done I used to pick up 4 or 5 items and simply put the money in their hand with a take it or leave it. They hated doing things this way but it worked fine 90% of the time. Don't do it in full view of other tourists though, they may knock you back because you are stuffing up the next opportunity.
Absolutely try everthing on, the size labels are only a guide. I've got S shorts which are bigger than XL from the same shop.
All the traders understand No 1 (original or best quality) and most were honest and said 'don't have'. Some will offer to have what you want the next day but never commit to a price before you see it. For better quality and exact fit you need to visit the tailors shops, much dearer than the markets but still very cheap. Always check stiching and zippers carefully.
Oh, very important. NEVER let them take your goods to the back of the shop and put them in a bag. There is a very real chance of it being swapped for a faulty garment. This goes for everything. Keep hold of it and put it in the bag yourself. I saw one Jap lady crying, she had ended up with an expensive wood carving with a big split in it.
If your brand new and want a pricing benchmark then go to a department store like Mata Hari and check out goods, quality and prices. Expect the markets to be around half.
One rumour I heard about Sanur shopping was that they have three colours of plastic bags which let the next trader know how well you shop. A white bag - sucker, payed top dollar. Black & white striped - made a good profit and black - bargained hard & well. Anyone else heard about this.
If you want to buy a lot then I enquired about freighting home. In Kuta there was a cargo forwarder who off a cubic meter box, max 250Kg, to Oz for Aus$175.
Best buys are probably leather, simple cotton ladies garments & T shirts.
Good Luck. Don't forget to take hawker repellant, dark glasses and ear plugs. My son developed a horrible trick which really scared them off, he composed a brain damaged face and made grunting noises, they left quickly.
Geoff.