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                    SHOPPING

In India you are expected to negotiate the price. If not, you risk overpaying
many times - which can be okay if you think "well, it's cheaper than home". In
most of the big cities and even smaller towns retail chain stores are popping
up where the shopping experience is essentially identical to similar stores in
the West. There are also some government-run stores like the Cottage
Emporium in New Delhi, where you can sample wares from all across the
country in air-conditioned comfort. Although you will pay a little more at these
stores, you can be sure that what you are getting is not a cheap knockoff. The
harder you bargain the more you save money. A few tries later you will realise
that it is fun.

Often, the more time you spend in a store, the better deals you will get. It is
worth spending time getting to know the owner, asking questions, and getting
him to show you other products (if you have an interest). Once the owner feels
that he is making a sufficient profit from you, he will often give you additional
goods at a rate close to his cost, rather than the common "foreigner rate". You
will get better prices and service by buying many items in one store than by
bargaining in multiple stores individually.
If you see local people buying in a store, probably you can get the real indian
prices. Ask some one around you if the price is ok or not.

Also, very often you will meet a "friend" in the street offering you to visit his or
his family's shop. In about 9 of 10 cases this will simply mean that you pay
twice as much as when you had been in the shop without your newly found
friend.

Baksheesh -- the giving of small bribes -- is a very common phenomenon.
While it is a big problem in India, indulging in it can ease certain problems
and clear some hurdles. Baksheesh is also the term used by beggars, who
can be found throughout India, if they want money from you. Baksheesh is as
ancient a part of Middle Eastern and Asian culture as anything else. It derives
from the Arabic meaning a small gift. It refers as much to charity as to bribes.

When you are buying anything, assume that a decent price for what you are
buying is at least less than 1/3 of the merchant's price. As such begin
bargaining at 1/4 of his opening price. If they are unwilling to sell it to you
around 1/3 the price, 'don't buy', since  they might drop the price after you look
ready to leave and  if you are buying the tourist trinkets, then chances are you
will find another merchant willing to give you the exact same thing for the right
price. Be specially cautious in Agra outside the Taj Mahal. Compare prices
before buy anything.

Packaged goods show the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) right on the package.
This includes taxes. Retailers are not supposed to charge more than this.
Though this rule is adhered to at most places, at tourist destinations or
remote places, you may be charged more. This is especially true for cold
drinks like coke or pepsi, where a bottle (300ml) is priced around 11 to 12 Rs
when the actual price is 10. Also, keep in mind that a surprising number of
things do not come in packaged form. Do check for the authenticity of the
MRP,sometime so it happens that the Shopkeeper may put up a sticker of his
own to charge more price from you.

The shops outside the big brand shops are better for as you can get good
stuff at a low rate. But watch out for the quality of the things you buy.

What to Look For/Buy

Wood Carvings: India produces a striking variety of carved wood products that
can be bought at very low prices. Examples include decorative wooden
plates, bowls, artwork, furniture, and miscellaneous items that will surprise
you.

Clothing: It depends on the state / region you are visiting. Most of the
states have thier speciality to offer. For example go for silk sarees if you are
visiting Benaras; Block prints if you are in Jaipur

Paintings: Paintings come on a wide variety of media, such as cotton,
silk, or with frame included. Gemstone paintings incorporate semi-precious
stone dust, so they have a glittering appearance to them.
Marble & Stone Carvings: Common carved items include elephants, Indian
gods/goddesses, etc.

Jewelry: Beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry are very
inexpensive in India.

Pillow Covers, Bed Sets: Striking and rich designs are common for
pillows and bed covers.