In Reply to: ive just returned posted by cruzen on Tuesday, 28. October 2008 at 15:53 Bali Time:
Good advice. We just got back from our yearly trek, found it quite different in terms of prices. Because it's a lot busier again, main streets like poppies 1&2 have a lot of tourists, and as a result, tourists that are willing to pay very very high. We personally witnessed many occasions this year, 2 that shocked us were a sale of rp1,000,000 for a single handbag, and another of rp400,000 for a single wallet. Look for quieter (and safe) spots we're business isn't as great as the guys right in the middle poppies and you will still find great bargains. If your unlucky to come in after a massive sale like above, it wont matter what you offer. They have made their money for the day and will be tough to get down no matter what!
A couple of prices we got were, 5 oakly sunnies for rp100,000. Board Shorts for rp30,000 each. Handbags were tough still and best we got was rp200,000.
Friends that were first timers came with us and their first purchase was 1 pair of glasses for rp100,000! But hey, we've all got at least one story.. And thats one of the great fun parts of Bali anyway. Enjoy it and get involved!