Street
shopping: bargain, bargain and then bargain some more.
Although
malls and shopping centers are becoming more common in all of Latin America, there
is nothing like the excitement of buying in a street market. You will be able to find everything
from handicrafts to watches, and from "designer" clothes to toys.
How
do you find out the price without a tag? Here is how it works. It is pure
capitalism. The demand sets the price.
1.-
Generally, the price is set at the moment the seller sees you. The more
anxious or in need you seem to be, the higher the price.
2.-
Now it is your turn. You can either buy or offer a lower price. If your offer is too low
and there are a lot of other potential customers, the seller won't even waste
his time. On the other hand, if there are not enough buyers, he will try to
move you to a higher, "fair" price, so...
3.-
There is a proposal from the seller.
4.-
You make a counter proposal, and
so on and so on until you reach an agreeable price for both parties.
It
is very important to keep a good perspective, because in some countries one quarter for you
may be worth as much as twenty five dollars for them. Be nice to people and make
the bargaining a good experience for both.
Are
there any risks?
Well,
if you buy electronics, they won't give you a warranty. Don't try to return
something that broke the first time you used it because the seller doesn't know
you and has never sold you anything. Another recommendation, don't go out with a lot of
money. Also, before you go, ask if the area where you will be shopping is safe. If what you are
buying is too bulky, expensive or runs the risk of being stolen on your way
back,
ask to the seller to deliver it to your hotel. Of course, the concierge
will pay for it in your place.
Software is very cheap but not original. If you are
flying back to the USA, it is illegal to enter to the country with it. Other countries have their own regulations.
Store
and Mall shopping.
If
you don't like the stress of bargaining and need a warranty then you can buy at malls
or stores where the price is set. However, it will be hard to return something,
and if you really fight hard they will give you a store credit to be used in the same
store. Usually there are no refunds or credits back to your credit card.
Internet
shopping.
E-commerce
is just beginning in Latin America. It is not as common as in the USA and you do
not
have the safety nets that Americans have been implementing during their learning
process. Because of these very same reasons, people don't trust it. If you have to buy
via internet, then my recommendation is to buy from a site with a well known
brick and mortar shop, and double check their delivery and return policies. Send
them an email asking any questions that you might have. If they don't answer in a couple of days,
well, that is the way they will respond to your complaint too.
