In A Market Dimly Lit...

I made my first trip to a Chinese marketplace today, the Yashow Market. This is a building filled with stalls of people selling clothing, toys, electronics, shoes, belts, watches, jewlery, etc. It is like a big flea market of sorts. The number one rule is to haggle! They know that it is going to be visited my mostly foreigners with lots of money to spend so they set the price really high, but with bargaining and a little persistence, you can get a great deal. Also, keep in mind that most of the goods are fake, as in knock offs. That may look like a Ralph Lauren suit, but it's not! The vendors for the most part speak English and they know how to deal with foreigners.

Here is a rundown of the day and my purchases:

The Entrance To Yashow Market

My First Purchase: A Polo (More Like Fauxlo) Sweater

The Conversation With The Saleslady Went Something Like This:

Please Sir, Come To Look At Sweater. (I walk over.)

Sir do you like this sweater.

Yes, how much is it.

I give you price after we see if it fit for you. You need 2xl, that good for person with belly.

(She holds it up to me) Sir, you will look great in this.

How much is it?

Here is what I pay for it (She shows me 1298 yuan on a calculator, about 200 dollars), but since you make friend with me today I give you special price, just for you. (She shows me 650 yuan)

I didn't bring that much with me, how about 200.

Sir, you try to rip me off. I don't believe you not bring much money with you. I give to you for 600.

How about 250?

Ohh sir, you rip me off. Okay, final price, 550.

I think I will look around somemore.

Oh sir, we make friend today and I want to make deal with you, how about 500.

How about 300?

I can give you 350, final price.

Okay, I will take it.

A little persistence and haggling got me the price of 350, about 50 dollars. I probably could have even gotten it for less but it was my first time and I wasn't sure exactly how to do it. She still made a good profit (she wouldn't have sold it if she wasn't and I got a nice sweater to wear at a fair price.)

Next up, the first 2 seasons of Kyle XY on DVD. Starting price 140, final price 110. (About 20 dollars.) Are they bootlegs? Probably but you really can't tell.

Next, a pair of comfortable "Vans" shoes. Perfect for a night out in Wudaokou or Sanlitun. I think I paid 220 (About 28 dollars) for these, down from a price of about 600.

I did a little Christmas shopping for family members and got some great gifts at great prices. By this time I was an old pro at haggling and the shop owners were in awe at my ability to get such good prices!

I also couldn't help thinking how much my Mamaw Margaret Parker would have enjoyed this experience. She had been known to haggle in Wal Mart!

After shopping, it was time to go upstairs to the food court for a little lunch. They have various stalls selling all kinds of Chinese food, very westernized Chinese food for the multitude of foreign tourists that shop here. My lunch was 75 yuan, about 10 bucks:

Pepper Steak, Broccoli, Fried Rice

Some things I learned at the market:

1. Take plenty of money with you. Things are relatively cheap by Western standards, but expensive by Chinese standards.

2. Have fun. I saw one guy get all mad and storm away when he didn't get the price he wanted. You have to remember at the end of the day, these people have to make a profit. You have to be willing to meet them halfway. Most of them are from small towns and communities and are away from their families trying to make a living.

3. Everyone there will claim to be your friend.

4. If you can't get the price you want, try walking away. One of two things will happen: the stall owner will call you back and offer you a better price or you will find the same thing 2 stalls down and can try again.

5. You may think you have gotten the best of the seller when you get the price you want, but be warned, they got the best of you. They will always profit no matter what the final agreed upon price. Start your price really low. Once you've named a price, you can't go down, you can only go up!

Here are a couple pics I shot on the cab ride home:

Hooters in Beijing? Not to be crass, but I haven't met many Chinese women who seem to fit their hiring standard. I wonder if there is a funky little Baptist church next to it? Nah, probably only in Jackson.

Definitely an only in China moment: A man riding his bike across town with his dog in the back basket!