The art of bargaining...
A popular culture
When travelling in Vietnam, one is often confronted to situations where haggling becomes a pivotal instrument in getting something at the right price. Bargaining is, across the country, very common and, more or less, expected by the sellers.
However, one should know that prices are usually higher in the North. As you go down South, you'll see prices decrease for almost every object or service. However, prices for certain common goods, such as bottled water, should be equal, wherever you are.
Bargaining can take place almost everywhere, for almost everything. You generally bargain in the street, at the market and even sometimes in hostels. Take this a bit as a game. Keep smiling and never make fool of the seller.
The ethic of bargaining:
Basically, one is expected to bargain wherever there is no price publicly displayed. However, you should take into consideration the needs and desires of both parties involved.
Remember, for exemple, that locals rely on their sellings to live a decent life: several thousands dongs are crucial for a street-seller while they are not that important to comparatively richer travellers. If the set price seems correct to you, do not try to lower it. Seek a fair price but not a ridiculous one.
Do not bargain too hard with kids in the street. They are not exploited: they help their family in its daily struggle. They sell chewing-gum, lighters or postal cards instead of begging. Buying their items is to be perceived as an humanitarian contribution to their living.
How to bargain:
As the seller is always setting the price higher than what he expects to get, the buyer should also set his offer slightly below his final objective. After several "rounds", a gentleman agreement is to be found.
Do not waste your time, nor seller's one, by bargaining for someting you do not intend to buy. If you engage in this process you commit to buy upon agreement over a common acceptable price.
Remember to ban foreign moneys from your mindset. Always haggle in vietnamese dongs, as you will get more space to maneuver.
Smile constantly. The sell should be taken as a game, in which everyone as to be satisfied with the result. In addition, smiling helps you keep a good atmosphere and get an enjoyable moment.
If you are in a market, try to know the price others paid for a similar object by listening closely. Then, make your offer. It is sometimes useful to play one seller against the other.
If the price of a common good (for example water) is really too high, walk out and get it somewhere else. You should not encourage the "overpricing technique" by even trying to bargain.
Prices:
The prices listed below are a sample of what you should normally pay for a definite article or service:
When travelling in Vietnam, one is often confronted to situations where haggling becomes a pivotal instrument in getting something at the right price. Bargaining is, across the country, very common and, more or less, expected by the sellers.
However, one should know that prices are usually higher in the North. As you go down South, you'll see prices decrease for almost every object or service. However, prices for certain common goods, such as bottled water, should be equal, wherever you are.
Bargaining can take place almost everywhere, for almost everything. You generally bargain in the street, at the market and even sometimes in hostels. Take this a bit as a game. Keep smiling and never make fool of the seller.
The ethic of bargaining:
Basically, one is expected to bargain wherever there is no price publicly displayed. However, you should take into consideration the needs and desires of both parties involved.
Remember, for exemple, that locals rely on their sellings to live a decent life: several thousands dongs are crucial for a street-seller while they are not that important to comparatively richer travellers. If the set price seems correct to you, do not try to lower it. Seek a fair price but not a ridiculous one.
Do not bargain too hard with kids in the street. They are not exploited: they help their family in its daily struggle. They sell chewing-gum, lighters or postal cards instead of begging. Buying their items is to be perceived as an humanitarian contribution to their living.
How to bargain:
As the seller is always setting the price higher than what he expects to get, the buyer should also set his offer slightly below his final objective. After several "rounds", a gentleman agreement is to be found.
Do not waste your time, nor seller's one, by bargaining for someting you do not intend to buy. If you engage in this process you commit to buy upon agreement over a common acceptable price.
Remember to ban foreign moneys from your mindset. Always haggle in vietnamese dongs, as you will get more space to maneuver.
Smile constantly. The sell should be taken as a game, in which everyone as to be satisfied with the result. In addition, smiling helps you keep a good atmosphere and get an enjoyable moment.
If you are in a market, try to know the price others paid for a similar object by listening closely. Then, make your offer. It is sometimes useful to play one seller against the other.
If the price of a common good (for example water) is really too high, walk out and get it somewhere else. You should not encourage the "overpricing technique" by even trying to bargain.
Prices:
The prices listed below are a sample of what you should normally pay for a definite article or service:
- Motobike: 5'000 to 10'000 VND depending of the length, the number of people riding and the hour of the day (or night).
- Pho (vietnamese soup): 10'000 VND. Usually all street-food is from 7'000 to 10'000 VND, very exceptionnally higher. It is best to ask price before eating, if you are not satisfied you can leave.
- Bottle of water: 4'000 to 6'000 VND. Depends on the brand you choose and the method of purification.
- Tshirt: 20'000 VND. Depending on the quality, the motives and the place where you buy , it can range from 10'000 to more than 30'000.
- Flip-flops: from 20'000 to 40'000+ depending on the quality, the shape and the "brand".
posted by McJanus at 9:59 PM
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