Bargaining Tips for Handicrafts Shopping at Indian Markets

Most of the tourists who come to India like to take back handicrafts from here due to their innate qualities. The shopkeepers in India know this very well. They know how desperate people are to get one or the other kind of handicrafts. This makes them keep the rates very high. The local people know about their strategy and so they bargain hard when shopping for handicrafts. However, those coming from different countries, due to the lack of knowledge, are trapped and pay much more than is the right price of Indian handicrafts. Here are some bargaining strategies and tips for you to follow whenever going shopping for handicrafts or for any other products at the Indian markets.

• Keep aside ample time for shopping. Never shop for things in a hurry.
• Before actually buying your choice of product from a shop, visit at least 4-5 shops with same product to get a rough idea about the product's price. Although all the shopkeepers will tell higher rates but will differ in their quotes. Take out the average of all these prices to get an idea about the actual price.
• Also visit some shops having fixed prices for their products. If possible, buy from there only. However, you may not get many options to choose from in these fixed price shops. If so, go to other places.
• After calculating the tentative price of your desired object, you can start negotiations for purchase at a shop. Always keep a range of price and just not a particular amount. For example, if you liked a wooden table and the prices for this type of table was told at various shops ranging between Rs. 5000 to 7000 whereas a similar type of table at a 'fixed price' shop was around Rs. 4000, you can keep your buying rate at around Rs. 3500- 5500 depending upon the craft work on table (more detailed and fine work will cost more).
• When seriously asking for the price of product, ask for the best price or some discount on it. The shopkeepers will generally cut the price at 10-20% of the quoted price.
• Tell them, the thing is still too expensive. The shopkeeper will then ask you to quote a price.
• When asked, always quote somewhat lower than what you intend to pay. For example if the shopkeeper told the price to be Rs. 6000 and after your survey, you know that its price should be around Rs 4000-4500, tell them you will pay R. 3000 for it.
• The shopkeeper will first deny but will keep on negotiating. Don't be very rigid. When the shopkeeper comes down a little, you go up a little. However, if the shopkeeper becomes rigid about the price, stand up and pretend to leave the shop without buying the thing.
• This will, in most of the cases, make the shopkeeper quote the best price. If that matches your intended payment, you may proceed. For example, if you are ready to give Rs 4000-4500 but the shop owner demands Rs. 4800, try a little to take it to your level. However, if he doesn't agree, settle the deal there.
• Remember, if you come out of a shop without buying, the shopkeeper will then offer his best price. If you really like the piece, don't leave it because if you come back, you may not be in a position to bargain further.

Now when you know the shopping tips & how to bargain at the Indian markets and plan to go to Delhi- the capital and the heart of India, know about the Top Delhi Shopping Destinations for Handicrafts