Travel Journals VI Cavat Emptor!
If England is a nation of shopkeepers, than India is surely a nation of used car salesmen!This even does an enormous discredit to the sophistication and finesse that Indian shopkeepers and merchants are capable of when they make up their mind to separate you from your money. they could teach any marketing expert a thing or two. I've heard it said that an Indian will never steal from you but will swindle you blind without batting an eyelash. I've also heard something about a fool and his money but I've forgotten what it was...
Until you get the rhythm of it, you really need to be on your toes. they're subtle and oh-so kind. they invite you into their shops like an old friend. "Here are you tired? please sit down, it's such a hot day isn't it". they ask you where you are from and then croon with delight when you tell them. "America? wonderful! My cousin lives there. someday i shall go too. Barack Number One, Eh? how do you like India?"they ask you if they can show you their merchandise and are willing to dismantle the entire store to find you something you might like. nothing is too much trouble because you are their friend. they will do anything to make you happy simply because they like you. even though business has been bad they want you to have this. no really, go on take it. that color suits you. and i only want a small price for it. less than I'd charge an Indian. really I'm losing money on this but i want my new American friend to have it. please do come back and visit me again, my friend! Namaste, good luck! do not forget me!
the performance is so convincing that you don't realise that your new best friend overcharged you 200 rupee until at least 15 minutes later.
the key to successful haggling is being willing to walk away from the store without buying anything. the second you step away the price magically drops. you see, an Indian storekeeper will do anything for your business, even if it means offering you a reasonable price!
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