In Reply to: Key Information (Kuta Bargaining) posted by MisterSteve on Wednesday, 17. November 2004 at 08:29 Bali Time:
a sense of humour,smile & be friendly.I think is the key factor.Don't get caught up in it all for the sake getting something down to the last 5,000 rupiah.It is peanuts to us but can mean a lot to the trader & their family.
After being there a day or two you will feel a lot more comfortable bargaining.Many people say not to buy in the first day but if you do over pay a tad to start with is it really that important ? You've almost certainly bought the item for considerably cheaper than you would have at home.
Ask other people in your hotel what they paid for items to get an idea of prices & read some of the JBR's that mention prices.
I always try & enjoy my time spent shopping & have a bit of a chat & laugh with the traders.I once asked for morning price at 4pm in the afternoon.I got told but it's not morning.I replied well it would be somewhere in the world.The lady & myself roared with laughter- I suppose you had to be there.
Another time I was at a shop I had been to many times before & part way though the bargaining process I was the 1st one to say you make ME bankrupt.Once again it resulted in a lot of laughs.