I am always fascinated by stories of different scams, exagerations, tricks etc that Indonesians get up to in Bali to make a sale, so I thought I would raise the issue to see what others have experienced.
We all know of the money change tricks, short change at Circle C, 60 litres of fuel into the Jimny etc etc.
My story is more one of deception, but entertained me at the time.
As we live in a coastal position, I started buying marine stuff as ornaments, and it was with this in mind that I went to a shop in the vicinity of Geneva who have an assortment of ships bells etc out on the footpath.
I had noticed an ornate copper and brass replica divers helmet on display out the front, and was interested as it was the "Heinkel" type as used by early Broome pearl divers.
I wandered into the shop, and as is my wont, looked at everything other than what I really wanted, so as not to encourage too much of a price hike!
Then I casually, and almost dismissivly looked at the Heinkel, and asked the price.
With much weighing in my hands, tut tutting about too heavy etc. we arrived at a price that was OK.
However, once the deal was done, the lad was very quick to point out that there was a small split in the copper on this helmet, and "we will exchange it with our Sanur shop for a good one".
This really put me on my guard, because any pointing out of a flaw after the deal is done is totally out of character, and furthermore I was unaware of any such shop in Sanur.
I was told to return the next day for the good helmet, which I did.
Walking into the shop, I was presented with a fully packed for shipping helmet.
"No way Made!!", I don't take wrapped goods back to Aus. so please unwrap.
Slowly, the two sheepish lads unwrapped the helmet, to reveal an el cheapo all brass thing that bore no relation to the Heinkel!
As I had walked into the shop, I had noticed an ornate "American Navy" copper and brass helmet in place of the Heinkel "magnet" that was there before.
I instructed the boys to wrap that one there and then!
During our earlier discussions, I had told the boys that we were returning to Aus much earlier than we actually were, just to avoid the effects of "rubber time".
I returned to the shop a week later, and there again, occupying pride of place, and no doubt pulling in the punters was the Heinkel helmet - magically "returned" from Sanur.
The boys were most surprised to see me again so soon, but just to show that all's fair in love and war, I purchased a ships wheel to go with the helmet, both of which have pride of place in our home today.
I should say that typically when in Bali, I find these attempts to improve profitability amusing and very much part of the place and the people.
It's always another story to tell over a chilled Bintang.