Bargaining: Is it a Cultural Thing?
This weekend, at the fish market, I made an observation to my boyfriend. I only bargain in Korean. I usually do not try to bargain in English. I feel like overtures for bargaining or asking for a discount are more well-received in Korean. The only other group I try to bargain with are other immigrants. Is it because I think that they come from a culture that also bargains?
I always get a discount now at the Korean dry cleaning store near my house and I tell boyfriend that next time we go to fish market in DC, I want to check the stall with Koreans first. Even though there were places that might have better fish, I’d like to get a good deal too.
So what about you? When do you bargain? Do you use another language? Do only do it in marketplaces or inside formal stores too?
moom wrote:
In the West I’d only bargain on the big things, rent, car etc. Otherwise, take it or leave it. I remember bargaining on a watch though in Caifornia. Otherwise bargained with Arabs in Tunisia and Israel.
Posted on 24-Jul-08 at 8:42 am | Permalink
lulugal11 wrote:
I bargain in small shops because they are more willing than say a WalMart.
Any time someone says ‘I love your accent’ I follow up with ‘Can I get a discount?’…it has worked every time!!!!
Posted on 24-Jul-08 at 4:20 pm | Permalink