In Reply to: bargaining posted by belza on Sunday, 6. December 2009 at 08:31 Bali Time:
ripping anyone off.
This isn't going to happen.
These guys know their business and margins extremely well, and any deal that they accept will certainly not cost them money (just maybe a bit less profit)
A lot depends on if what you are buying is a mass produced, "see it everywhere" thing or something unique.
If the mass produced thing, follow some of the price guides and what you hear around the place, and make an offer around what the benchmark is, and be prepared to walk away.
You will often get down the street to be called back, and the deal is done.
If something unique, decide what you are prepared to pay, and work around that.
Once a deal is done, remember that Indonesians regard this as "an agreement" so stick to the deal.
Also, accept the fact that sometimes you will get it wrong, and just brush it off to experience.
Don't look too excited over a purchase object as this may inflate the price, and try not to get into the hard bargaining too early in your holiday, a few days will allow you to learn a bit about current pricing etc from others.
As others suggest, most of all relax with it.
Good luck and let us know how you go.