Negotiating Price and Respect in China

[Pompal 09.]

I do not speak a word of mandarin. Just use a calculator or cellphone to type out the price that you wish to pay.

 

[Andre]

It's definitely true.

But for those who are not well-versed in mandarian, price negotiations don't come easily.

 

[Sugar]

I experienced something (remotely) similar in Shanghai. Did buy some copy goods from a lady at at store. This was slow time for here, nobody else around. I really did threw all my western shame aside and gave really low offer, and raised in small steps. After i while i left and refused all her offers (polite and with a smile off course), she came 100 feet down the street and dragged me back inn and gave me "my price".

When i left together with the "hawker" who had showed me the place.. Outside he smiled to me and said ,".. you are cheap with money.." and some more a did not understand. He definently smiled to me, with respect, not laughing off me. Then we walked toghether for a few blocks while he showed me the way the "old city".

 

[Barkley Hound]

I live in China, and recently I had to go to the hospital for very minor surgery.
I have had the surgery before, and it only takes about 15 minutes and I can go home immediately.
But, the doctors here in China wanted to admit me for TWO WEEKS !
There is no way in Hell that I would lie in a Chinese hospital bed for two weeks just to pad the hospitals and doctors income.

It is outpatient surgery almost anywhere else in the world.

So, I had to sit there and negotiate with the doctors as to the price of the surgery and the length of time to stay in the hospital.

After a lengthy negotiation they finally realized that I knew what I was talking about, and they began to lower the price and number of days.

I finally told them that I had had the same exact surgery in the Philippines two years ago, that the price was minimal, and that I went home immediately afterwards. I also told them that the Chinese MUST be more clever than Filipinos, and that I was confident that the Chinese could do better.

So, the price instantly falls to 300 RMB (about US$45), and I was walking out of the hospital 5 minutes after the surgery was finished.

My Chinese companions were constantly tell me later that day that I was so very clever , and that the respected me much more now.

The point that I am trying to get across is that EVERYTHING is negotiate in Asia, and that Asians respect and admire you a lot more for being thrifty and clever than they do for your being generous.
Overpaying in Asia only results in them laughing behind your back.

 

[ethanmarkovic]

Cool story!

 

[TheDude]

Cool story!

+1 interesting

 

[wakawaka1987]

man, Im sorry to hear about that. Sounds like a terrible experience

 

[wakawaka1987]

Something similar happened to me once

 

[wakawaka1987]

I was admitted to the hospital for a very minor thing, but had a hard time negotiating the cost of the medical care afterwards

 

[wakawaka1987]

does anyone know any places where the locals frequent? Im a student (and on a student budget), so Im just looking for an in and out Full Service, with YOUNG girls (no oldies).
Also, what metro stops would be the best to get off at and stumble upon a bargain priced underground establishment?
Thanks