讲价

讲价: To bargain/haggle

Haggling is an absolute must in Chinese markets. It is culturally acceptable and financially necessary considering the prices merchants would give you otherwise (I've had extremes as drastic as 500 kuai at the start down to 75 kuai by the end). My first few attempts at haggling can only be described as awkward at best and I'm sure I was ripped off a bit (although with the exchange rate the way it is everything ends up being a good deal). However, now that my Chinese has improved and I've gotten some practice I actually love haggling over prices. I also find it interesting that out of all the people in Beijing, very few speak English well; however, merchants have some of the best English in China (granted to get a good deal I have to use Chinese but hearing people speak English is always a nice feeling). It's a major adrenaline rush to try and get a good deal and to see how low I can push the price. In retrospect it seems somewhat stupid to argue over 10 kuai (around $1.50) but in the moment there's nothing more important than getting it down just a little bit more. I dreaded shopping back in the States but now I actually get some enjoyment out of hitting up the market, but I mean who wouldn't get enjoyment out of $6 polos.

Me freaking out the first time I went to a Chinese market. Got some sick souvenirs though!