The Art of Bargaining in China
Bargaining is expected and fun at tourist markets and small shops. But there are places where you should and shouldn't haggle.
Where to Bargain
- Tourist markets (Silk Market, Yuyuan Bazaar, etc.)
- Street vendors selling souvenirs, clothing, accessories
- Small independent shops without price tags
Where NOT to Bargain
- Malls and chain stores — prices are fixed
- Restaurants — never haggle over food prices
- Supermarkets and convenience stores — fixed pricing
The Bargaining Playbook
- Ask the price casually — "Duo shao qian?" (多少钱？)
- React with surprise — even if it seems fair
- Counter at 30% of their asking price
- Go back and forth — meet somewhere around 40-60%
- Walk away if they won't budge — they'll often call you back
- Seal the deal with a smile
Golden Rules
- Stay friendly — bargaining should be fun, not confrontational
- Don't bargain if you won't buy — it's considered rude
- Use cash as a bargaining tool — "I only have 50 RMB on me"
- Compare prices at a few stalls before committing
- Buy multiple items from the same vendor for a better group discount
Reality Check
The initial asking price at tourist markets is typically 3-5x the real price. A "50% discount" still means they're profiting well. Don't feel guilty about negotiating.