I try to venture out a little more and more each day. I finally bought a bicycle and started to learn the wonderful art of negotiation here in china. In shanghai the price of almost anything can be negotiated and its perfectly fine to try and do so. By all means go as far as half the price that is offered to you. It may sound like this is offensive, however this is a very strong part of the culture here. With a little practice you can master the art. It is quite simple and once you pick up some catch phrases, you will be negotiating all the time. Some of the phrases that come to mind are “ Wo shi daxuesheng, Wo mei yo qian” and “Ni bang wo, Ni shi wo de pengyou”. These literally translate to “ I’m a college student, I have no money”, and “Help me, you are my friend”. Hopefully the price will be somewhat lowered. If anything you a sure to get a good laugh. However, If that does not work, you must try to walk away, more than likely whom ever you are bargaining with will not want you to leave and wind up offering you an even lower price. Now that you know a little bit about negotiation in china, feel free to try your luck at Tian Zi Fang. This is a perfect little spot right outside the French concession where there are dozens of little shops that a perfect for trying your hand at bargaining!
