In Reply to: Bargaining - Simple Rule ? posted by chrissybau on Friday, 24. April 2009 at 13:40 Bali Time:
the other day, I live here and speak the language but have never shopped for clothes as I was dreading it, but after 3 years I finally came to term with the fact I needed things and mum is here so she wanted to shop. A friend who frequently visits and shops for her Chrissy pressies told me to half their price then half it again and that is what you should pay so I went off aimed with that in mind.
I found it depended on the shop, for example I bought 3 sarongs and the lady said 51,000 for the 3, so I did not even barter, I thought that was a great price.
I paid 20,00 each for sunnies, this was using the half then half rule, 25,000 for caps using the same rule and then I bought 4 dresses for 200,000 in total from the same shop (one dress I had tried on last year in a fixed price store in Ubud but they wanted 180,000 for it so I thought that was a bit much, I loved it but I didn't want to pay that)
I did walk out of one store that I found 3 of the same 4 dresses at but the price was ridiculous, they guy was not very friendly and I did not want to get in a haggling conversation with him as I gave him my final offer and then he told me I would send him bankrupt etc etc. I said I did not want to send him bankrupt so I would go somewhere else and I ended up paying a bit more than my budget as I ended up with 4 dresses but warmed to the shop attendants and had a great time with them. Mum also bought some skirts that have shorts under them for playing tennis in for 40,000 each and they made her a little dressing room as they did not have one. They did not push or ask if we wanted one more etc, we spent ages in the store trying on things without any pressure.
I think it depends on the store and finding someone who makes you comfortable.
Hope these prices help you and that you have a good time as I was dreading it. I am glad it is over for 3 years though.