In Reply to: Bartering/ Haggling posted by bonanza on Thursday, 20. September 2012 at 07:43 Bali Time:
Most places haggle. Was on 3rd floor of Hardy's in Sanur earlier this year lookung at watches. Was told by salesman Rp250,000. I told him (truthfully) that I'd been offered the same watch for Rp100,000 but turned it down as too expensive (couldn't be bothered to haggle). Salesman said "OK we'll sell it for Rp60,000" which I accepted.
A couple of years ago my wife bought an outfit for her nephew...shorts & T shirt. She was quoted Rp150,000 and haggled it down to Rp50,000 and was pleased with herself. Speaking to an employee at our hotel she was told that the going rate was Rp20,000. Went to a different shop and was quoted 120,000. She said that she wouldn't pay more that Rp20,000. They tried to haggle but she stuck to the price. When they said no way she left the shop. 30 seconds later the shopowner came running after her and said"OK 20,000".
So you can see the sort of markup they're trying to get. Don't worry if they sneer or laugh at your offer, just walk away. The next stall will have an identical item.
A few fixed price shops in Sindhu Markets running off the beach to north of Sanur, Tootsies & Sarinas come to mind.
PS if you're offered something don't say "thats too expensive" unless you want to haggle...you've already started a bargaining process. Just say "No". Also don't say "maybe tomorrow"...they remember always and take that as a promise.