Asia travel: 3 ways to counter dishonest salespeople

Posted By on August 10, 2010

Many travelers shop in Asia because they often find better bargains there. It is true that honest salespeople abound in Asia. But like elsewhere, there will always be a few 'sales-predators' who try to overcharge misinformed tourists.

If you paid $5 for a $2-scarf, your only damage would probably be some teasing from your travel companions. But if you were to pay $600 for a $300-camera, would you still remember your Asian vacation fondly?

Here are
3 steps to identify a sales-predator and counter his sales tactics. These are especially useful if you plan on getting big ticket items.

1. Create a list of desired models, and check their prices back home.

Just how does one get ripped off while shopping in Asia? Well, simply turn up without knowing the specific items you want, or their market prices. Unethical salespeople love tourists who walk into their shops and ask vague questions like:

a. "Do you have a point-and-shoot camera that is ...?" or

b. "Could you recommend a portable hard-disk ...?"

Sales-predators know they could mark up prices on these customers, who are unlikely to know if they are being overcharged. So knowing what you want and the market prices helps. Do your homework. Before arriving in Asia, check the prices of items online or at your neighborhood store.

2. Bargain on your territory, not on the salesperson's.

The moment a sales-predator knows that you have done your research, his next strategy is to take the 'battle into his territory'. How does he do this? He will say something like, "Well, we have finished selling that model, but let me show you something much better ...!"

At this point, you 'enter his territory' because you may not know the market price of the item he is going to show you. And if you like the item enough, he might just quote you a price to his advantage.

To counter this, go down your checklist and ask if he sells the next item on your list. If he repeatedly says he doesn't have the items you want, it is time to leave the shop. There is always another shop down the road. So don't feel the pressure to say 'yes' too quickly.

3. Identify the 'upsell' strategy and don't fall for it.

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