The Solution To Inflation Is Bargaining

A few quick questions before we begin:

1. Do you like having healthy discussions with people?
2. Do you believe in not accepting the norm but changing things instead?
3. Do you think that Rs. 5,000 is far too much money to pay for a Pashmina Shawl even if it is actually made in Srinagar?
4. Do you think you could bring the price of that shawl to something around Rs. 800?

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then you are probably already an astute bargainer and can choose to stop reading this article at this point. For the rest of you, read carefully, and you too will be able to magically bring down prices, dramatically increase your shopping time and overcome your fear of the MRP.

Bargaining is an ancient art form that involves thinking that all shopkeepers are thieves and that it is your divine right to get everything at the lowest price, if not entirely for free. Once you have acquired this mindset, you can begin your journey as a Bargainer.

Now the trick to bargaining is to never, I repeat TO NEVER, show how desperate you are to buy something. Even if you’re having a heart attack and you need a ventilator, the moment you show your desperation, the shopkeeper will refuse to entertain any bargaining offers. The second thing to remember is to always quote a ridiculously low amount. Do this with all seriousness so that the shopkeeper thinks that you really believe the ventilator is actually worth Rs. 42. The lower the initial price you are willing to pay, the more room you get to bargain.

However also keep in mind the time factor. Bargaining is an art for the long haul. It is not for people who have, “time constraints”, “Would like to make a quick stop” or “Have better things to do”. If you really want the best deal you will have to have time on your hands because it could take a while to convince a crooked shopkeeper. For example:

Shopkeeper: The cost of the Uni-Vent Portable ventilator is Rs, 3,75,000

Buyer: Tcha! I wont pay anything more than Rs. 42

Shopkeeper: This is the fixed rate. But because you are having a heart attack, I will give it you for Rs. 3,74,999.

Buyer (Clutching at heart): Rs. 43.

Shopkeeper: Rs. 3,74,998.

Buyer (last breath): Rs. 44. *dies*

As you can see this bargain was unsuccessful because the buyer didn’t spend enough time on it.

Shopkeepers are very insecure about their competition. You can exploit this by saying things like, “The shop down the road is selling it for less.” Your shopkeeper will immediately droop and begin lowering his prices, instead of wondering why you aren’t buying from the shop down the road. Use this to your advantage and remember never to give into any argument a shopkeeper may make about his goods having better quality.  

Always remember that both, you and the shopkeeper are trying to call each other’s bluffs and if you blink first you will have to make do with overpriced goods. Stay firm on your stance, even go as far as walking away if you have too. Trust me there is no sound sweeter than a shopkeeper’s defeated voice as he calls you back and agrees to sell the ventilator for Rs. 42.