| Honest shopkeepers abound in Asia. But like | | | | this? He will say something like, "Well, we have |
| elsewhere, there are always a few dishonest | | | | finished selling that model, but let me show you |
| vendors who try to over-charge unsuspecting | | | | something much better ...!" |
| tourists. Find out how to spot such ones and | | | | - At this point, you 'enter his territory' because |
| counter their sales tactics. Many travelers shop in | | | | you may not know the market price of the item |
| Asia because they often find better bargains | | | | he is going to show you. And if you like the item |
| there. It is true that honest salespeople abound in | | | | enough, he might just quote you a price to his |
| Asia. But like elsewhere, there will always be a | | | | advantage. |
| few 'sales-predators' who try to overcharge | | | | - To counter this, go down your checklist and ask |
| misinformed tourists. | | | | if he sells the next item on your list. If he |
| - If you paid $5 for a $2-scarf, your only damage | | | | repeatedly says he doesn't have the items you |
| would probably be some teasing from your travel | | | | want, it is time to leave the shop. There is always |
| companions. But if you were to pay $600 for a | | | | another shop down the road. So don't feel the |
| $300-camera, would you still remember your | | | | pressure to say 'yes' too quickly.3. Identify the |
| Asian vacation fondly? | | | | 'upsell' strategy and don't fall for it. |
| - Here are 3 steps to identify a sales-predator | | | | - Often, after a price has been agreed and the |
| and counter his sales tactics. These are especially | | | | payment imminent, the sales-predator will try to |
| useful if you plan on getting big ticket items.1. | | | | 'increase his margin'. "You know, we've got a |
| Create a list of desired models, and check their | | | | fantastic pair of woofer speakers that go |
| prices back home. | | | | superbly with your MP3 player," he would say. |
| - Just how does one get ripped off while shopping | | | | "Let me show you how nice they sound." He |
| in Asia? Well, simply turn up without knowing the | | | | whips up some audio equipment, mutes all other |
| specific items you want, or their market prices. | | | | devices in his shop and plays a hypnotic tune using |
| Unethical salespeople love tourists who walk into | | | | the device you have just agreed to buy. |
| their shops and ask vague questions like: "Do you | | | | - If you really, really like the add-on, by all means |
| have a point-and-shoot camera that is ...?" or | | | | buy it. But take it from me: the add-on is likely a |
| "Could you recommend a portable hard-disk ...?" | | | | brand you have never heard of and marked up |
| - Sales-predators know they could mark up prices | | | | quite substantially. Beware of this upsell tactic. If |
| on these customers, who are unlikely to know if | | | | the item is truly that great, nobody will need to |
| they are being overcharged. So knowing what | | | | try so hard to sell it.I have been burnt before and |
| you want and the market prices helps. Do your | | | | I know that dishonest salespeople are capable of |
| homework. Before arriving in Asia, check the | | | | doing the things mentioned above. But now that |
| prices of items online or at your neighborhood | | | | you have got the inside story, go and beat those |
| store.2. Bargain on your territory, not on the | | | | sales-predators at their own game. Then pay it |
| salesperson's. | | | | forward by sharing your wisdom at online forums. |
| - The moment a sales-predator knows that you | | | | You can make shopping in Asia a wonderful |
| have done your research, his next strategy is to | | | | experience. For yourself and for those visiting |
| take the 'battle into his territory'. How does he do | | | | after you. |