Negotiating in Szhenzen

[GlamBabe]

Rani, I am a bit intimidated by Szhenzen but willing to go there as we have 6 dresses to be made for a bachlorette party in Hong Kong. The savings are worth the stress! Any tips on how to negotiate with them? Start at half price?

[rani]

I must admit I wouldn't consider myself a great bargainer.

I always start at half price and end up settling at 20-30% off the original price.

The tailor charged us approx $40 to stitch the tops. So a dress would be approx $100-200 I think.

HTH (Hope that Helps)

[abhi]

(Not that I have even negotiated prices for ladies clothes ..forget about buying 'em but...)

I was a keen observer, watching my mom negotiating deals for marriage shopping. Some recollections..

1. Even if ur all gaga over the thing you want to buy, give a hint to the seller that u r not very keen to buy from him. Things like "the other place has much more attractive deals (better quality , lower price)". Halo of a "know-it-all" attitude comes handy in such situations.

2. After seller has quoted intial price, try to avoid jumping to 50% or anything. Give him/her another chance to quote an already discounted price.

3. The discounted price may give you an idea of the extent to which you can bargain. Usually if the seller gives say a 5-10% discounted price immidiately, gear up for atleast 30-40% final bargain. Many time seller will push you to indicate your $$ offering.


Communication (language in this case) would be one critical thing. And remember its a "buyers market", (the only best part of slow economy) so, many fishes in the pond.

Finally, its an art!

I believe, a lot of veterans, corporate deal makers, marketing heros are online@geoexpat. Would like to see if these '2 cents' make any sense.

[reema]

Remember to pick a reliable tailor and try and get a fitting done and before you make a full payment- spending a weekend there and coming home with the goods rather than having them couriered may be worth your while for a bulk order! I had once paid 180 HKD for a trench coat including the fabric so your best bet would be to strike a deal including the fabric (though a lot would depend on the kind of fabric you choose)

[heisha]

Agreed. I tried two tailors before settling on the one I have now. The first one was a disaster... I'm happy with the second one. You'd expect to pay about HK$200-300 for an entire suit, material and lining included, and Rani, you're right, about 150-200 for a dress.

Make sure they get arm lengths right. They kept shortening my arm length by 2" - so now I simply take the clothes I love, and have it replicated

Cheers