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Bali - in Negotiation at Bali Market

Ubud Market, 1.12.2018
Ubud Market, 1.12.2018

Although the product range will not be different in the inner of the market, it is worth it going there. Either to level one, or the insight of the market. Reason is that there is a less hectic atmosphere, less tourists discussing the prices and better prices being offered. The retailers in the inner of the market have a lower conversion. Therefore, go there.To all guys: be prepared to spend some time at Ubud Market, searching for the perfect bag and sarongs. All seems to look the same, but you will be strolling along the market searching the one special bag. 

An upfront advice: Look for the hidden stalls which are not easily seen from the streets. For example on the first floor or deeper in the market. They offer better prices than those sellers directly on the street. And do not go for one bag only. Your basis for negotiation is much better when you are after at least some products they offer.
Important: have enough cash with you. The fees at the ATMs in Bali are exorbitant..some charge you 50k - with a maximum withdraw of 500k. The ATMs on Ubud center charge 100k as a standard fee. Therefore, it is better to exchange the currency already at the airport where you depart.
Ubud Market, 1.12.2018
Ubud Market, 1.12.2018
Although the product range will not be different in the inner of the market, it is worth it going there. Either to level one, or the insight of the market. Reason is that there is a less hectic atmosphere, less tourists discussing the prices and better prices being offered. The retailers in the inner of the market have a lower conversion. Therefore, go there.
Although the product range will not be different in the inner of the market, it is worth it going there. Either to level one, or the insight of the market. Reason is that there is a less hectic atmosphere, less tourists discussing the prices and better prices being offered. The retailers in the inner of the market have a lower conversion. Therefore, go there.
Having found the bag, which has the style that 100% fits, the nasty part of the event starts. Do you really want to discuss with a woman having years I  her eyes if she sells the bag for 50% of the called price: yes you want. 
The first price is ridiculous I general. 50% of the starting price seems to be a good orientation from our point of view. It is realistic that they will sell the product for around 50% if you go for more than 1 or 2 items. 
Yes, we made it. 3 bags, probably of better quality as they also contained the real leather and are made of fired rattan for roughly 600k.
Fired rattan is of better quality than the non-fired rattan as it is more durable and is resistant to water.
The woman hesitated quite long before selling. And she sent us home when we offered 500k. We went home, but we came back as we did not want to start the whole process again with another retailer.
Starting point of the  negotiation was 1.100k.
Puh - it always feels strange to negotiate about from a western point of view small amounts. Additinally, the circumstances and standards of living and working in which you buy your bag are not the best. 
But it is part of the game. They will not sell for a bad price and are for sure happy even if they only make a small profit. That's also part of their game.
Good luck guys.