Art of Bargaining

When India is referred to as land of diversity , the diversity does not only direct to culture, people region climate etc but it also includes the variety in the markets present here. The markets all over the country provide numerous options...options which include various materials... options that help us enhance our art of bargaining!!!!!!!!!!!!! Be it Linking road or fashion street in Mmbai, m G road at pune or your local market, believe it or not, but it's always possible to get great discounts wherever you go even if the sales aren’t on. And it's up to you to haggle whenever the right opportunity arises. You can do it just about everywhere, from electrical stores to markets to car showrooms, as long as you're aware of the rules. Here are some of bargaining tactics you should know for effective transactions you can have everywhere.

1. Silence is bliss Go to the shop or the showroom when it's relatively less crowded, say during afternoon. The biggest advantage being that you get a much better response from the salesperson who is keen to sell to the few available customers around him. Also, since it’s relatively quiet, it facilitates better communication and makes sure that the salesperson comprehends your bargain offer a little more attentively. What you must also take care of is never to haggle when there's a queue. Those who are standing behind you surely won't allow their time being wasted just because you are trying your luck for a good deal. So, if you want to avoid those dagger-stares and ‘Hurry up’ looks from everyone around, keep your bargaining urge aside.

2. Knowledge helps If you are an aware and frequent buyer, you know the rough estimate of that saree you have been eyeing for a long time. So, come down straight to the 'acceptable' amount and bargain on that. Otherwise, the salesperson will bump up the price when you start haggling and then knock it down. You will think you've got a bargain when all you've paid is the amount that's supposed to be paid at the first place.

3. Don’t be rude Screaming at the top of your voice to get your point across or acting as if you are being cheated by every salesperson will not help. Instead, build a rapport with them. Smile a lot and speak in a friendly manner. Always remember, it is much easier for the salesperson to give a lee-way to that sweet lady and that well-mannered guy vis--vis that grumpy old customer who they wish had never walked in to their shop.

4. Know their policy It is useless to bargain in a shop that has a strict 'no bargain' policy. Hence, try and find out if the shop you are in is one of them. After opening with your first offer it's important to stay silent. Wait for them to speak next. If the reply is: 'We don't do discount,' keep chatting. You might have to ask up to three times before you get to know the shop better.

5. Compromise For buying something you know won’t be available elsewhere at prevailing rates, read their signals and meet them halfway. If they really can't give you a discount then try to get something thrown in (for example, a free juicer to go with your washing machine). If they say no then shop somewhere else, but keep practicing your haggling.

These are some of the basic rules which need to be followed to keep up the bargaining and go ahead with it... But there still are 'gurus' of this art in the market !!!!!!!!!!!!!!