Bargaining for goods at the market is nothing new in Bali, Indonesia. This habit of Bali’s people is apparently also imitated by foreign tourists visiting Indonesia.
In a video uploaded on TikTok by the account @martinaliang, it appears that she was choosing some beautiful accessories made in Bali. She made his choice and continued to ask the seller for the price.
@martinaliang Could i have gone lower ?? 🤣 #bali #bargaining #fyp ♬ original sound – Martina Liang
She also bargained for the seller’s original price and got a cheaper one. However, in the caption on her upload, she wrote if she could bargain for a cheaper one.
Some comments on the video stated that she could have bargained even cheaper.
“Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to be very firm with the Bali people. Tell them a lower price and drop the price when they bring the price slightly down,” wrote one netizen.
Another netizen wrote that the price is quite expensive in the market. “Literally, Bali is so expensive in the markets,” wrote Fiona, another netizen.
It’s actually okay to bargain in some Bali markets, especially traditional markets.
Bargaining in traditional markets is a unique experience that offers aspects of interaction and negotiation that are hard to find elsewhere.
First, bargaining creates an interactive atmosphere that cannot be expressed through electronic transactions or online purchases. Buyers can see, touch and feel the goods they want to buy, while sellers have the opportunity to communicate directly with potential buyers.
Second, bargaining in traditional markets also provides flexibility in adjusting the price and quality of goods. Buyers can negotiate directly with sellers, considering the quality, condition, and value of the goods offered.
Moreover, bargaining in traditional markets is not just a transaction, it’s a reflection of deep cultural values. It’s a practice that requires both buyers and sellers to be respectful, knowledgeable, and skilled in negotiation.
Buyers must be wise in determining a reasonable price and know about the products they are buying. Meanwhile, sellers must understand the value of their products, offer competitive prices, and demonstrate expertise in communicating with potential buyers.
Have you had the chance to bargain in the Bali market? We’d love to hear about your experiences and tips!
