I've lived in Thailand for several years now and am still mystified and confused about bargaining here. I know in Mexico it is not only expected but often considered rude not to haggle over prices - I've been told the sales process is part of the fun of sellling. It that true here? Do Thais expect and enjoy bargaining or do they see that as evidence of the customer being a chisler? More confusing is the technique my Thai boyfriend uses. He will find something he likes, agree to the price, and then after it is written up, ask the sales clerk if he/she can reduce the cost. About 80% of the time, they do. GB, add that to your "I don't get it" list. So, that's my issue. Is bargaining polite here and how much of a discount does one shoot for?

Bargaining is a way of life here, but once a price is agreed upon it is considered rude to not buy the item and pay the price you agreed to pay.

GB, add that to your "I don't get it" list. So, that's my issue. Is bargaining polite here and how much of a discount does one shoot for?

Consider it added.

 

Yes, bargaining is fully expected here. That does not include stores such as grocery stores, shopping malls, convenience stores, etc. However it is expected at mom and pop shops and, depending on what they're selling, from the beach vendors too. For example, at the beach I bought a watch from a vendor. He started by asking 1800 baht for it. I ended up paying 250 baht, and he still made a profit.

 

Unless an obviously outrageous price is being asked, I usually start the haggling at 30% to 35% lower than the initial asking price.

For days and days I can live without any need for bargaining. It really depends on what. Food stalls and restaurants-never (unless its a premade deal for a big group). The new western-style shops: never. The small mom+pop-streetside shops: you buy only such small things there, that any bargaining seems futile. Nonetheless-if you really would want to buy say 10/12 items there-you can try.

Typically the assumed need for bargaining seems much larger to tourists as they tend to buy the things that are sold that way. In fact I have learnt very much to distrust anything without marked prices. The more Thai a market is-the more you see prices displayed.

Usually Thai people simply know the price, like for tuk tuks, motosys etc. So this also eliminates the need for.

(the new wave of Chinese made watches seem to be everywhere in BKK now-and all are marked at 100 bt.)

I was quoted 1200 baht for a very small rucksack by a street vendor.

 

I paid 400, which may well have been too much for what is probably a counterfeit of a branded product. It's always good to know what something should cost & not just think about knocking 30% off.

 

On a recent trip, I got an item of clothing modified at one of the many tailoring shops behind Tuk Com.

I asked about price. He replied up to you. I said we must agree a price in advance. He quoted 50 baht. No way would I haggle from that price, especially after seeing the quality of the job.