One of the best ways to practice some simple conversational Chinese is to head to the fake market to do some haggling…IF YOU CAN HANDLE IT. The fake market is certainly no place for a relaxing or peaceful shopping experience. In fact, it is the definition of my mom’s absolute WORST NIGHTMARE. She hates crowded shopping malls and gets a splitting migraine as soon as she enters into a department store (I learned when I was 13 to use that to my advantage, mwahaha – I have an evil side). She would not do well in a fake market. She wouldn’t even last three seconds! Upon entering any fake market in China, you are virtually attacked by sellers shouting “Lady lady! I give you cheap price! We are friends! Only for you…special price my friend!” You have to dodge the crowds and squirm your way through the maze of stalls upon stalls of knock-off clutter to find what you are looking for. When you finally find what you want to purchase, the real fun begins.
If you want to make a quick purchase and leave, you certainly can…but only if you want to knowingly get ripped off BIG TIME. Believe me, it happens. I see numerous international businessmen coming in for “Rolex” watches thinking they got an “amazing deal” after just 10 minutes of “haggling”. Yes, maybe compared to an authentic Rolex they got a good deal, but HELLO DUDES! THIS IS CHINA. Everything in a fake market is…FAKE. I laugh in my head knowing that they got ripped off by a few hundred USD. I simply let them bask in their sense of false accomplishment because once the deal is made, it is too late to go backwards. You all know I am (for the most part) a kind-hearted individual who enjoys helping others, but I don’t have the time or energy to help the masses of novice fake market shoppers land the best deals. Sorry. Trial and error, my friends!
In order to get the price down, haggling for a good quality “Prada” bag, for example, may take up to three hours. Lower your desired price. Walk away. Try again. Walk away. Form rapport. Walk away. Repeat until you are satisfied. While speaking Chinese is no doubt an advantage when it comes to haggling, it is still a long process. It is crucial to mentally prepare yourself before setting off on a fake market adventure. When I do make the occasional trip, I need to think of it as a cultural experience. I try to just take in my surroundings and laugh at the ridiculousness that is taking place.
BEWARE: If you are in a rush, tired, hungry or prone to shopping-related migraines like my mother…it’s NOT the time for fake market shopping! The first picture below shows the outside of the fake market in Shenzhen. Yes, it’s a MONSTROSITY! Yes, that’s the inside of the market! Stalls upon stalls of the same knockoff bags, watches, shoes, and electronics. Everything is fake and can be haggled for (even if the sellers tell you otherwise). You just need time, commitment, patience and a sense of humor.
If you want to make a quick purchase and leave, you certainly can…but only if you want to knowingly get ripped off BIG TIME. Believe me, it happens. I see numerous international businessmen coming in for “Rolex” watches thinking they got an “amazing deal” after just 10 minutes of “haggling”. Yes, maybe compared to an authentic Rolex they got a good deal, but HELLO DUDES! THIS IS CHINA. Everything in a fake market is…FAKE. I laugh in my head knowing that they got ripped off by a few hundred USD. I simply let them bask in their sense of false accomplishment because once the deal is made, it is too late to go backwards. You all know I am (for the most part) a kind-hearted individual who enjoys helping others, but I don’t have the time or energy to help the masses of novice fake market shoppers land the best deals. Sorry. Trial and error, my friends!
In order to get the price down, haggling for a good quality “Prada” bag, for example, may take up to three hours. Lower your desired price. Walk away. Try again. Walk away. Form rapport. Walk away. Repeat until you are satisfied. While speaking Chinese is no doubt an advantage when it comes to haggling, it is still a long process. It is crucial to mentally prepare yourself before setting off on a fake market adventure. When I do make the occasional trip, I need to think of it as a cultural experience. I try to just take in my surroundings and laugh at the ridiculousness that is taking place.
BEWARE: If you are in a rush, tired, hungry or prone to shopping-related migraines like my mother…it’s NOT the time for fake market shopping! The first picture below shows the outside of the fake market in Shenzhen. Yes, it’s a MONSTROSITY! Yes, that’s the inside of the market! Stalls upon stalls of the same knockoff bags, watches, shoes, and electronics. Everything is fake and can be haggled for (even if the sellers tell you otherwise). You just need time, commitment, patience and a sense of humor.
