Back to Bartering

Prior to moving to Singapore I think that I bartered for things exactly twice. Or at least twice that I can remember. When buying Ruth's engagement ring I was encouraged to put forward an offer - it saved me 10% which was worth it.

Perhaps the reason why I only bartered once in the UK was becuase of my previous experience, on a rugby tour to South Africa 10 years earlier. On that tour I offered a street vendor 5 rand for 3 wooden elephants. The seller's target price had been 6, and he immediately accepted my 5. Success! Or not - the guy obviously didn't earn much, and when I got back on the tour bus, I realised that I had bartered down his price by about 10 pence - enough for, well 10 penny sweets, but not much else. For him the 1 rand would have been half a meal... so suddenly I felt a bit guilty about it.

Here, however, bartering is pretty normal. I mean there are many places (probably an increasing number) where the price is just the price. However there are plenty others where the price is sort of a guide for opening negotiation. Consequently I bartered a storage yard down for the boxes we sent.


I have also bartered successfully for a squash racquet and shoes - I even got a toblerone thrown in with the squash (well - if I'm going to run around I need to energy). And I have also had some successful bartering on my half by the Dodgess' Mother - for a tailored suit - I didn't understand a word. Nonetheless she was saying things, and he was waving his arms clearly saying that the amount of material in my suit was perhaps rather more than most of their suits. (because I'm 6'2" btw - my BMI is about 22 - so it's not cause I'm a complete porker).


I quite enjoy bartering - but I'm not very good at it. I need to learn how to do it well. Perhaps I should just offer what I think is a silly price, walk away, and then come back after 10 mins and re-state my price. Being conspicuous will presumably help with this... I mean, how many westerners will come along and make ridiculous offers, and then come back 10 mins later to try again??