The Great Economic Wall of China
The
‘Silk market” in Beijing: After visiting the Great Wall of China, I went back to the capital for some shopping. I wasn't done reflecting about what it meant to have created a common cause for people to unite in order to build a national border. With this in mind, I went through the doors. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to buy yet. At first, I was only curious to explore what I would be offered at first sight.
It was overwhelming.
Chinese men and women approached me with their calculators ready to set a price to negotiate. Prada bags, wallets or belts? Gucci, Dolce & Gabana, or their favorite: Louis Vuitton???
"No, no thanks. Just looking around," I would say as they told me the prices and held me down only because instead of looking, I made the mistake of touching.
"How much lady? How much you buy?"
"Don't go, cheaper for you," They insisted.
Not only that, but as hundreds of shoppers are deciding between Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger or Polo T-Shirts, they were able to recognize many languages.
One lady demonstrated to me she could negotiate prices in Spanish, Japanese, Russian, German and well, English was a given.
Buying and selling. It can also get very competitive, especially when it comes to WATCHES.
Channel, Hermes, Rolex and Crazy Watch. EXACTLY!!! Very Krazy indeed.
Money is like monopoly there. The more cash you use, the more fun the game gets.
It is only by the time you try to figure out why you bought so much that it hits you:
"I'm just such a good bargainer!!!"
To get a perfect illustration of what I mean, read the following blog:
http://blogs.sun.com/arungupta/entry/beijing_silk_market_shopping_bargain
As the author puts in the chart, the silk scarves offered at 650, were finally sold at 55!!!
But in the end, you are only kidding yourself.
Plus, there has to be something very wrong at the other end of the line...
Who is paying the REAL price for what I am shopping for?
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