buying clothes and Misc. and bargaining
Replies: 24 - Last Post: Apr 7, 2012 5:03 AM Last Post By: paeng
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buying clothes and Misc. and bargaining
One of the things I want to do is buy many clothes and toys for the children, my wife wants shoes and clothes, handbags as well.I want handmade crafts/art works.
I have heard that Chatuchuk market is the best place to go and I plan on going there for at least a couple of days,
weekend that is.
I heard but want to confirm if there is a friday market at Chatuchuk that is wholesale night???
This market is so large I wonder if many of the other markets around town buy here and then sell for a higher price.
also when it comes to bargaining I figure that is a must and my skills are weak so any help in bargaining would help the clueless.
Example-if they say 500baht do I figure they have double or tripled the price and from that I can figure the real price is and what I could offer.??
Any other Markerts out there that are as good as Chatuchuk.
Is there a good electronics market--I am looking for a good quality movie camera with a hotshoe/ tripod and external mic for about
$900 usa
1
The price mark up will depend on the item, and vendor - they are pro's at reading you and will throw out an opening price accordingly. You won't get true wholesale prices, unless you are buying wholesale quantities ...Camera gear etc, is much more expensive than what you will pay in the USA.
2
O K............... So how do you begin to outwit a pro.I figure this , I don't buy on the spot but ask several merchants about the same product.....?
Interesting about camera gear being the same, at least in the USA I can get some help if the camera has problems, will compare prices and do same on the internet.
Thanks
joe coolzey
3
Chatuchuk market is very large. Be sure to get a map (free a the entrance), so you can find ,again, the vendor with the best price.Most "brand name items" are just as expensive, or more, as any where else in the world.
Personally I only buy souvenirs or novelty items in Thailand. I find the clothes, shoes, handbags etc... to be of particularly poor quality.
I'm not experienced at bargaining either, I try to judge what an item is worth to me.
Enjoy your shopping and good luck.
4
+ I try to judge what an item is worth to me+I agree with that.
I'm no expert either, but one or two things sometimes work for me. For example, where the vendor is quoting what sounds like a high initial price, one rule of thumb is to offer them a quarter of their original quote. So for example, if they quote 500 baht you could offer them 125. Of course, the vendor will say no, but you gradually increase your offer as they decrease theirs and you will eventually meet somewhere in the middle.
If you've really got your heart set on buying a particular item, never say so or give anything away on your face. Then they know they've got you. Instead, act casually as if you're not really interested in the item and could just as easily walk away without buying it.
The most important thing, however, is to not take the bargaining too seriously, and always be polite and keep a smile on your face.
5
I normally won't buy anything for a couple of daysUntil I go window shopping and get to know what prices to pay.
Some shops have fixed prices and are clearly marked.
So this is some indication what to pay. Some times I even ask other tourist
What they payed for an item, they just purchase.
Than I start my shopping.
A good way to bargin is to ask the price, eg a copy hat.
They might say 300 baht so you offer 150baht.
They will say no no than you say 180, if they say no than say thank you and walk away,
If they want your business they will say ok ok 200 baht
Than you offer to buy 2 but you say 180 each and most will sell to you.
Same principle for all non fixed price items,
Just a tip on hand bags
There are different quality items with different Grades of materials
And the best copies are made in Korea.
Be prepared to pay between 1200-1500 baht for a good LV handbag.
6
Childrens clothing is excellent value but be careful with toys, many do not conform to European safety standards with incidents of kids being eloctrocuted by cheap Chinese copies e.g. Nintendo re-chargers. Shoes and handbags are also extemely good value.As for bartering, remember it is a part of Thai life, the Thais not only expect it but enjoy it. Make the bartering personal, engage the vendor in something that interests him. My husband is excellent at bartering generally comparing with the vendor how expensive their respective kids are. Take time and the interest becomes genuine on both sides and the vendor doesn't remain as hard-nosed as he would have without the friendly banter. I would open bidding at about 25% of the initial price.
8
I like to go to the shops, buy what I want and get out, I dont like going from shop to shop comparing. So for me, Chatuchak doesnt work.I find Chiang Mai much easier. A quick walk up one side of the street, down the other buying as I go and all my shopping is done.
12
@willyzI think everyone has a frog : -))
Some T's last forever, I swear I have some that are 15 years old. OK admittedly they are just beach wear but still they have never shrunk. The worst to buy are the 100% cotton ones, they shrink after the first wash - go for the mixed fibres.
Linen / cotton mix loose pants are good for lounging around the house. Strangely I've never had shrinkage with any of those and some are going strong despite years of misuse and the quality is surprisingly good.. They've kept their colour and shape despite 100's of washes.
13
Big department stores like Robertsons have fixed prices but many small shops, especially in tourist areas, with prices attached will bargain - try them. Don't be afraid of making what you think are absurd offers at first. But don't try to squeese the last drop from the vendors.Remember genuine imported items will be no cheaper in Thailand than the same ones at home.
Remember too that for expensive items at a big shop you may be eligible for a VAT refund at the airport. You will need to get special paperwork done when you purchase.
Paul
14
My 2 cents worth.If you want good quality clothing at wholesale prices (have to buy 6 or more from same shop), you are better off going to Pratunam clothing market (opposite Indra Regent Hotel). I have purchased clothes there for my children (jeans/ T-shirts, shorts etc etc) for the last 15 years and most of them are still in good condition!
Another possibility is Bo Be Market - wholesale only the fashion/ brand name items are limited.
Chatuchak market is good for variety - clothing, silverware, bronzeware, home furnishings, craft items, pets and more! It's certainly a good day out.
Happy shopping.
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