A Smart Shopper's Guide to Shopping in India

I've spent a total of around a year in India. I love some things about India, and am less than thrilled with some other aspects of India. One of the things I love is shopping, though I've had some maddening Indian shopping experiences as well. This article contains some tips for making your shopping experience in India one that you'll remember with fondness rather than regret.

Don't Be Afraid to Bargain When Shopping in India

Most westerners are unaccustomed to bargaining. We simply pay the listed price without much thought. But in India, especially as a foreigner, expect the initial asking price to be much higher than the true value of the item.

As a general rule of thumb, I often give a counter offer of about half of what the shop owner initially quoted as the price. For instance, if the shop owner says, "500 Rupees," I'll counter with, "250 Rupees." They may act shocked, but don't let that get to you! Just go on with the game, knowing that is how business is conducted there.

To test out whether or not the price you are offering is reasonable, if the shop owner rejects your offer, try walking away and see how the seller responds. They'll likely come after you and agree to the price you offered, or something close to it. If they don't come after you, that means you offered a truly ridiculous price, and if you really want the item, you need to go back and offer more.



Look to See Who Else is Shopping

A sure way to know that you're shopping in a place that is overpriced is to look around at the other shoppers in the store. Are a lot of other foreigners shopping there? If everyone in the store is from the West, you're most likely in a place that has "special prices" for foreigners. Those prices are only special in the eyes of the merchants, but are a rip off for the shoppers. This is especially true if a rickshaw driver brought you to the store without you asking to go there; they are paid a commission to everyone they bring to those shops. Instead, make your purchases in stores where Indians themselves shop.

Check the Quality of the Items in Shops in India

Although India has some amazing handicrafts and other items worth buying, the workmanship can sometimes be of a lower quality than what you're accustomed to. In order to avoid disappointment, be sure to check to see that everything is working properly. For instance, before buying a purse, make sure that the zippers work properly.

Shopping in India can be an amazing experience, and the items you'll bring home can bring you a great deal of pleasure in the years to come if you remember these few simple tips.