Budget: 3640 Rupees/$60; Spent: 14,165/$272
This morning we had a nice breakfast on the rooftop of our hotel.
We did some planning for our trip, laundry, and then decided to go to a bazaar to do some shopping: priority was linen pants for me.
After talking to a auto-rickshaw driver, he told us that the bazaar was closed because it is Sunday. There was no reason for him to lie since he basically denied himself business by telling us this. Interestingly, the first auto-rickshaw driver we asked had given us a price of 150 rupees, which is more than double what our hotel had recommended to us. The first guy didn't care that the bazaar was closed, he would have taken us to a deserted street.
We asked the second guy if he knew of a place to get linen pants. He took us to a store where he would likely get commission for bringing us in. We walked in and new it wasn't really in our price range. But we allowed the two very nice gentlemen to show us around. Their names are Luis and Wassim. Luis who was of Indian origin, turned out to be from Spain, so he spoke Spanish to Patty. We mentioned to them that I just wanted linen pants, but they quickly began talking to us about suits. We looked through some really nice materials. When they started to give us some prices, our suspicions were confirmed: the prices were high. They initally asked for around $350 for custom tailored linen pants and a suit for Jeff. Then he got it down to $325 which was still out of the question so we started just talking pants, and then eventually started looking for clothes for Patty. We politely declined many of their offers and simply explained we were not looking to spend the kind of money they were looking for even if the quality of their merchandise was outstanding. Wassim was extremely receptive to us and our concerns and he looked genuinely appreciative of our forthcoming approach. It didn't seem like he got that type honesty from customers very often. He said he really wanted to make something work for us. Then out of the blue, they gave us a price for tailored made suit and linen pants of $225 and made us promise not to tell anybody about the price, or where we bought the suit since often hotels will contact them asking for a cut of the profits. They were very good salesmen and we got along quite well. We were certain we would not buy anything at this place and then there we were making a deal and shaking hands with them. It was difficult to say no to them, and I think the price was good anyway. We laughed with them as we agreed over a delicious cup of tea they offered us that was made with saffron. After this, Patty looked for a kurta shirt and ended up buying one for about $30, although somehow our total cost came out to about $240.
Afterwards, we went to check out a jewelery store, but didn't stay long. Wasn't very nice.
We decided to head back to our hotel after this to grab a bite to eat. Restaurant was closed so we chose a different restaurant at a nearby hotel. We walked there in about 15 minutes. The restaurant was at the roof of the hotel, about five stories high. It was a beautiful restaurant with a romantic ambience, great service, and the food was really good as well. We were very happy! It gets quite chilly at night, and we were so pleased when the restaurant brought us two warm fleece blankets during dinner to keep us warm and comfy. Nice touch.
We walked back to our hotel and arrived around 7pm. It was our first time walking alone after dark in India, and we felt surprisingly safe. On our way back we saw so many people sleeping under a bridge and on the streets trying to stay warm for the night. It was a shocking sight to see so many homeless people lined up on the sidewalks under blankets where they would end up staying the night. We even saw several auto rickshaw drivers sleeping in their 3-wheelers. Definitely makes us question whether we should pay the grossly inflated prices they charge foreigners. It often crosses our minds that even their inflated prices in India are still good prices relative to home. The dilemma is that in India bartering exists, and if we can get a better price we should try. The shops are different of course. Nobody is going to sell you anything under cost. If you give them an offer they have the option of declining it. The rickshaw drivers on the other hand make so little money and they work very hard. Because it's so competitive, for them they will take something as opposed to nothing... work is work is money. The poverty is definitely overwhelming sometimes, and there's often feelings of guilt for being as fortunate as we are.
When we got back to the hotel we decided to do some serious blog work until bed time. Tomorrow, we will shop and watch The Hobbit again.
Hey guys, well, unfortunately, I think you're right that they WERE good sales people and they managed to move some expensive merchandise by exploiting your sense of fair play while at the same time making you feel as though you were getting a special deal. Being charismatic and engaging doesn't hurt.
ReplyDeleteWe had a similar experience in Istanbul with a carpet salesperson...we were offered some information by someone when we looked lost. When we took it, he guided us to his carpet store. There, we were given tea as a "basic custom" of Turkey and subsequently badgered into buying a carpet. Given our sense of fair play [having been given information AND tea!] we felt immense pressure to buy, never mind that we were basically trapped in a small room with two dudes giving us stuff. Luckily, we repeatedly said we weren't buying anything and escaped as quickly as we could despite their escalating annoyance with us. Sadly, that experience left us jaded and less receptive to interactions with locals. Even knowing these psychological tricks were in play, it was challenging to resist.