The three D's

Shanghai is a shoppers paradise- if you can barter. Designer bags, dresses, shoes, coats, all at a fraction of the price. The Shanghaiese LOVE to barter. Everything is negotiable (I’ve even argued with pharmacists to have the price lowered on medication). To shop in Shanghai, there are three important feelings to demonstrate- Disgust, Disinterest and Disdain. It’s important to never appear like you want to buy the item you’re after. It’s best to convey the possibility that you MIGHT make a purchase, but you really aren’t that impressed with what the vendor has to offer. There’s a little dance that you have to do every time you buy something (well, maybe not something like toilet roll). The vendor will give you a price, and you must sneer and act appalled, saying “you’re joking, it’s not worth even half that”, in which you can offer a third of the price given. The vendor will then laugh heartily, call you foolish, and say that he has kids to feed, and can’t afford to sell for that cheaply. Then he’ll come back with a price about ¾ of the original. At which point you can tell he to forget it, as you just saw the same thing down the street for significantly cheaper, have a good life buddy. Cue spinning on your heel, and walking away - the most important step in bartering- 9 times out of 10 the vendor will run after you with a reasonable price. There’s no satisfaction unless you get something for at least half its original price. To be honest, in the beginning this was extremely uncomfortable and awkward for me, but now I quite enjoy a good back and forth with the locals. However, I get the feeling everything is negotiable in Shanghai, and you just assume everyone is trying to take you for a fool. It can be terribly wearing at times. Although I can’t wait to bring back my mad negotiation skills to Canada, think of the deals I’d get at summer garage sales!