Haggeling in Bali

Hello there,

we are going to Bali on a vacation in August and as balinese furniture are very beautiful, we are looking to buy some.

Can anyone tell me about the haggeling mentality in Bali, as I am used to arabian haggeling and can imagine, that theres a big difference.

Has anyone made experience and can give me advice?

I want to avoid insulting anyone unnecessarily.

It will be our first time in Bali, we will be based in Ubud for the first few days... Any recommendations for us?

Thanks a million!

I have never purchased furniture on Bali, but the most important thing is to ask others before you go about the QUALITY of the items and whether the piece will withstand changes in temperature and humidity and whether the finish on the piece is resistant to such changes, etc. As to haggling: Some observations over my many trips to Bali: (1). Never go to the shop with a local and Never have a local next to you when you discuss buying anything (he will be getting a "commission" for his service or assistance that you won't know about); (2). Go in the morning (There is a concept on Bali called "Morning Price" --- the significance is that it is very bad luck for a merchant to lose the first possible business deal of the day as it sign that the entire day will go badly for him; but I don't know if this concept also applies to high-end items like furniture. (3). So Always ask specifically for "Morning Price"; (4). Investigate, if you can, to find out approximately what an item should cost; (5). The first price the mercant gives will be ridiculous --- probably at least 3 times what the proper price should be, so don't assume that getting "50 percent off" the first price will be a good deal; (6). When you think you are within about 15 to 20 percent of what you think you want to pay you should announce that you will think about it and that MAYBE you will return AND START TO WALK OUT OF THE SHOP ---- I call this "The Walk Away". As you are walking away and out of the shop the merchant should start yelling out a much lower price to keep your interest and to prevent you from leaving because he will fear that you will never come back. "The Walkaway" always works to lower the price and works for bargaining on everything (except food and accommodations).

Also, learn a little bit of Bahasa- it really helps to start you out at a more reasonable price if you can say a few things to them in their own language.

Yes, I agree with # 2 and I do that all the time --- so walk into the shop and speak entirely in Indonesian to let them know that you are not the typical "stupid" tourist and that you know what you are doing re bargaining for things to buy. I realize that this will be difficult for you to do on your first visit to Indonesia, but it sure helps.

As above advice. Definitely bargain for furniture, also for silver and tourist stuff. But please don't try it in grocery shops, supermarkets, restaurants etc. I have seen travellers trying that and often embarrassing the staff who are puzzled but too polite to tell them not to be silly. Indonesian friends have quietly asked me why these people are so rude/stupid.

It is useful to have an idea of target prices of course. You may get an idea buy looking at some manufacturers' websites where some have prices. These are still negotiable, but probably not nearly as much as in Bali unless you are buying large quantities. Most furniture manufacture (including the "Bali" stuff I think) is in Java, especially in Jepara and Semarang, so try a Google on something like <indonesian furniture jepara manufacturer> and words such as Semarang, teak, wholesale, export, etc.

Also be careful that the timber should be properly seasoned or kiln-dried especially if you are sending it to somewhere dry or cold with central heating, or it may split when you get it home. And beware of mahogany. A Singapore dealer with a factory in Java told me they could not guarantee to get rid of woodworm in Indonesian mahogany.

Also look into shipping of course and any rules in your home country, e.g. if wood must be certified as coming from plantations or renewable resource, and if it must be fumigated for insects etc. You would probably need a specialist shipper to get it though Australian Customs for example.

All the advice above is right on. Don't ignore any of it. I might also add that bargaining/haggling is fun. Don't get mad and bent out of shape. Enjoy the drama.

My advice is all of the above is incorrect.

I can advise there is no "haggeling" for furniture. The price you are given is not negotiable, because if you go to the right place it's worth it. It's cheap, but when you include the cost of exporting and also the cost of paying for import into your country it's not so cheap. I apologise for not giving the street, but the best places are on the main road to Denpasar.

The cheapest way to do it is by container load. You need to fill that container, so get a friend to buy or fill it yourself.

Do some research, I would have given a lot to import a magnificent outdoor setting, but because of the container restriction we didn't do it.

#6 Friends of mine who are wholesale and retail furniture dealers in Indonesia (mostly Java not Bali) definitely will negotiate on price, though not to the level of perhaps 1/3 of asking price suggested by #1 which I assume is in tourist outlets. They are probably more likely to come down maybe 10-30% I think, depending on quantity. They would not ask silly prices to start with but it is completely normal to negotiate price on most trade transactions in Indonesia, at least in my 15 or so years there.

Negotiation is the norm has been my experience also, including on Bali.

I have haggled in Bahrain and in Bali. There are differences. In Bahrain haggling for a car can take over an hour with competitors circling around. Haggling in Bali is quicker.

Do not go into a furniture shop with a local whether he is a taxi driver, guide or newly met "friend". The custom in Bali is that the local will go back to the shop after you have left and collect a 30% commission on whatever you have bought.

Go to the shop by yourself and continually remind the seller that you are "sendiri"or alone. Try to freight the furniture "door to door" to avoid unpleasant shocks.

Be aware that furniture from humid climates will crack in dry climates like Australia.

#9 "Be aware that furniture from humid climates will crack in dry climates like Australia."
It can do but should not if it is properly seasoned or kiln dried. A friend exports to Australia & has one or two shops there and does not have this problem.
It is possible to check the humidity of the wood with a device (called a hygrometer I think) but of course the average casual buyer does not do this.
I have bought furniture (perhaps 20+ pieces) and sent it to England, where central heating can be just as damaging as a dry climate. I have had no cracking.
But I have spoken to dealers and manufacturers who do not season their wood, as they are selling to the local market (or perhaps Singapore etc.).
One of them was honest enough to say their stuff was not suitable for export, and they did not want to get into the issues of seasoning and export/import regulations.

But how to know if the furnitures in a specific shop is suitable for export? I have no idea if you don't have the equipment. Recommendation from previous customers may be the best thing. That is how I bought.

Hi RAK, GaryD, MisterSteve and Lukkyfrog,
We are looking to buy large outdoor furniture tables, chairs vases and a large gazebo. Also landscaping rocks ect. Can anyone tell me the exact names of furniture stores and shipping companies that you were happy with? Message me if you don't want to leave it here.