5 Ways to Bargain and Win.
From Delhi’s Paalika Bazaar to Linking Road in Mumbai, bargaining is what matters.
If you follow the rules of the art, not only will you save money, you will enjoy little games with the shopkeepers.
First, it is important to always remember that sellers are pretty smart folks, and have honed their art to perfection. They can be as charming as Cleopatra if needed, and are perhaps worthy enough of an entry in Wikipedia.
Games Sellers Play
Let me narrate a story about their psychological games.
A lady walks into a sari store. After enquiring about her budget (range, as they call it), the shopkeeper proceeds to show her a few pieces. She can't seem to decide on buying.
He spots the indecision, and quickly capitalizes on it.
Suddenly, in a PC Sorcar-like act, he pulls out a few saris at a higher price than the range quoted.
As she goes through them, the choice is pretty clear. Sensing the opportunity to seal the deal, the salesman says, "Madam, take the lesser priced range, it suits your budget.
The lady, feeling insulted, "Pack the blue coloured higher priced sari."
"OK Madam," says he, with a wry smile, knowing he's won the game.
We are all bargaining most of the time. Sometimes over which program to watch on TV. At other times over the salary your next company should pay. Many a time, we don't realise that we are bargaining.
But, when we do and learn to communicate, negotiate and close deals better, we become good at the game. Here are a few tips that will stand you in good stead.