Question on prices at Pomelo in Yangon

Luke: Coincidentally, just this week I received a group email from one of the founders of Pomelo. Evidently, according to the email, the people who were running the NGO have been served notice that the woman who was the "local partner" is now taking over. I dont' know anything about the actual inner working, I am just a fan and supporter. But this letter has me worrying about continuing to support the org if it's not now what it oroginally was operating as.

That said, only you can judge whether the extra cost is worth it. I found that many things in Pomelo were not available in other places, but some things were. If you are only looking for exquisite Chin textiles, there is a shop at Bogyoke Market second floor, run by a Chin woman and her family, with very good pieces. Yoyomay.

Thank you for that information. I will keep that in mind. Thanks for reminding me about Yoyomay as well - it was also mentioned in the LP guidebook. If I can find it, I will check it out!

Yoyomay is easy to find.There's a balcony on the first floor running the length of the building fronting Bogyoke Aung San Rd. Follow it to the end, turn left, it's one or two shops from the corner.

Yoyamay are quite popular, have pretty much a monopoly now on Chin textiles, and their prices will reflect this.

Thanks a lot for your reply. I have NO idea about prices of gifts/souvenirs there. Would I be able to get something decent at Yomamay for $30~50 US? I wonder how much something like a nice table runner would be. Also, I have read that there are some cool fabric wallets at that market (not at Yomamay) and I wonder of a price range for something like that as I think they might be good gifts for male friends. As I have no clue as to the cost of things, I worry a bit about easily getting ripped off. If you have any bargaining tips (for example, always aim for at least (X%) off the initial price you are quoted - that would be extremely helpful for me. I don't want to be rude and ask for a price that would be insulting to the sellers.

Thank you!

I wouldn't bargain at Yoyomay unless perhaps buying multiple items. The owners are very knowledgeable and will tell you a lot about the different weaving styles etc.
It was two years ago, but I bought some zippered pouches for about $5, beautifully made in handwoven textiles.
I think you would get something special for $30 - $50 US. There's no pressure to buy, and the store is very interesting.

Great. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply again. I will keep that in mind and only ask for a small discount if I decide to pick up a few items there.

My view of Pomelo is that it is also selling items that are not necessarily seen elsewhere. Like stuffed toys and such, that artisans would not be making without a specific request. I'm not a supporter of that actual shop, though.

Yoyamay is great. I bought a gorgeous, intricate table runner for...I think $30, but this was several years ago. I did bargain for it but don't remember how much my discount was. I feel like anything that's in a market (even though the setup at Bogyoke is more like a strip-mall) is open for bargaining.

Note that if you are going to be traveling outside of Yangon, it's quite easy to buy things directly from "disadvantaged" artisans rather than from a middleman shop.

Thank you for your reply and for letting me know the price you paid for a nice table runner years ago. At least that gives me some idea. I'm usually quite happy to receive any kind of discount and feel that most places always start high so they can knock a bit off and still get what they actually want.

I don't plan to travel outside of Yangon during this trip - unless I can make it to the The Taukkyan War Cemetery (and possibly Bago). I would like to take in the cemetery, but seems a bit difficult to get there unless I go via taxi.

Thank you for sharing.