How flexible are prices when buying fans from street vendors in Thailand?

August 25, 2024
a month ago
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
When you are buying stuff from street vendors, specifically a fan, how flexible on the prices are the store owners?

I walk by this one store almost everyday and they don’t seem to be selling anything.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Street vendors in Thailand often have flexible pricing, especially if no price tags are displayed. Negotiation is common, and vendors may be willing to lower their prices during the bargaining process. While some vendors have fixed prices, many are open to offers, particularly for items without clearly marked prices. The conversation highlights various experiences, including some vendors who price items higher for tourists but also share stories of hardship and resilience among local business owners. It's advisable for buyers to research prices online before negotiating and to approach bargaining with a fair mindset.
Rachid *******
1k for 40cm, more if bigger
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rachid ******
1,100 baht for a 16”

Fan- Metal frame
Steve *******
Do they sell Only Fans?
Chris *********************
Get a grip cheap Charlie comes to mind
Leo **********
We now live in the day and age when people that can travel don't know how and most likely should not. We live in a time when said travelers seek help from the online nanny community currently present in our modern society, to do what? Ask advice on how to barter in an Asian street market. Sorry. If that's a question someone thinks is suited for an online question, they should turn in thier passport and head home.
Si *******
I ask the price,

If it’s fair buy it,

If they ask silly price walk away,

Life’s too short to haggle.

Or better buy from someone who has the price marked.

That’s normally their rock bottom price anyway.
Chris *****
Thai peopole need get income.

Stop discount all....or buy Lazada as them
Paul ********
Or maybe they're replacing stock that's been sold from their storage?
Greg *********
Cheap charlie
Martino *******
If the price if publicly showed i never bargain. I use Lazada to understand how much things cost in Thailand.
Cody *********
You should probably think about your yearly income vs that of the shop owner before you begin haggling.

Also if you are like me and prefer to spend your money in local shops rather than lazada, you can still use Lazada to help you understand what something could cost with negotiation.

I do this with taxis and the grab and bolt apps.

Understand what's considered reasonable.

Considered being generous.

Put your money where your heart is.

🤷
Matthew **********
@Jeffrey ******
I had something similar. Koh Yai Yai , days after it was possible to enter Thailand via Phuket after the lockdown. The private owner of the accommodation broke down in uncontrollable tears. She hadn't been able to pay for wifi so didn't know she had a booking even. She had been sneeking to the beach at night to get crabs and seaweed for soups and some nutrition, grew a few vegetables in the garden to get by and eating the cheapest sausage from the store. She didn't want to take from the minimal food programme on this tiny island as she said the elderly and kids needed it more than her. We were her first guests in over 2 years. 😔

There were 8 young cats running about. Somebody had dumped them as little kittens in her garden knowing that she was fond of cats. She had managed to take care of them too with her tiny budget.

When we heard this, we extended the stay, gave amazing review, and ate her amazing home cooking 3x a day rather than going to restaurants to boost her income, hired her spare motorbike, bought her beer rather than a bar, paid her for laundry, ironing, anything we could think of. Obviously tips too.

Yes, it's not always about saving some baht unfortunately 😔.
Terary **********
Vitico ********
You can look up prices online on shopee and lazada to get an idea how much something costs. Then go to your preferred store and see if their price seems fair to you. If not, You can offer the price you want to pay. The worst that can happen is they say no.
John **********
I have found that some vendors would rather lose the sale than negotiate. But in saying that some Thai vendors are not like that at all.
Dennis **********
just ask , start with half price and work your way up no harm in trying
Jeff *******
I always ask how much can you do this for - if they give a great price then thats the deal done, but if they're trying it on, I suck air through my teeth, just like a plumber would when you ask for a price in the west, and they clearly understand they've quoted too much. Following that the deal is usually about 30 seconds after this when they give you another price.
Phil ******
@David *********
why don't you ask the store for best price?
Jennifer ******
It looks like they have no business but they are probably one of the sellers on Shopee or Lazada. The small shops selling bulbs and electrical stuff on my soi does their business online too.
Jeffrey *******
Back during quarantine days, in Chiang Mai, we had a small carry on luggage that broke.

We passed several street vendors selling luggage.

I asked one lady for her price on the one we wanted.

It was more than I wanted to pay.

It was late and most sidewalk shops were closing or getting ready to.

We kept walking. About 45 minutes later we were walking back to our hotel, she saw us and offered the piece almost 1,000 THB less than originally. I agreed.

As she was getting it ready for us and I had paid already, we noticed she was crying. In Thai we asked why was crying… it was the first and only thing she had sold in two days. I gave her an extra 1,500 THB. Her crying increased, but wasn’t sadness…it was happiness and enormous gratitude.

My early experience of the extreme hardship and financial struggles of many Thai people.
Alastair *******
@Jeffrey ******
that’s a good story and a human touch.

My experience is that in any of the touristy areas, the store vendors will never sell at a loss. Never, never!

Haggling is expected and you (the tourist) is seen as an opportunity! If you don’t haggle you are simply giving a gift. Up to you.

Always check prices across a number of vendors. Haggle and learn what the price window is.

Once you’ve done your research, go for it with a vendor who has the product you like. Smile, be happy, make fun, never get angry (very, very rude).

You’ve made her day. It’s the same as tipping in Thailand - it’s not expected but very welcome and brings lots of lovely smiles👍😁

Enjoy

😎
Mika ********
Just pay the price - no need for any sanctimonious navel gazing or lofty ambitions about promoting the Thai economy 🙄- Americans really are something else 😁
Jeffrey *******
@Mika *******
some more than others.
Steve *******
Of course you can barter, it's pretty much expected
Terrence *************
When we go to buy something,my missus tells me to disappear and off she goes to get thai price
Alex ************
Food, not flexible. Clothing and other objects? Quite flexible.
Andy **********
I had the same idea about supporting small local family businesses, until I approached a small motorcycle shop, and asked for a quote on repairs that I needed doing, and it was obvious straight away it was "farang price" I then went to the honda dealership, and was quoted a much lower price, that's a honda technician doing the job, with genuine honda parts, so go figure!! Some are Just greedy, that particular motorcycle shop, won't get any favours from me in the future, when they are just taking the piss, but to answer your question, from my experience, if something has a price sticker on it, that's usually the fixed price, but on the other hand if there is no prices on anything, it's usually negotiable, I usually ask the vendor "how for this" then go in with a lower offer, which he/she will generally refuse, and then meet them in middle price wise, they don't usually get offended by an offer, they will just say "no sorry cannot Mr" 😅
Garry ********
😆 most are like that, go into Global house the staff out number the customers by 3 to 1🤣 wages are fairly low and so is rent so they don't have to be super busy to make a living.
Galenus ******
Try your best with bargaining 🤗
Mark ********
@Galenus *****
but dont be too harsh. They gotta eat and pay bills as well.
Ken ***********
My experience in negotiating prices is to have a price for what you think is fair before you start.
Ticha *****************
Usually they sell as cheap as in supermarket. B Sometimes I tell them to keep change. (I am Thai)
Russell *******
That what I see all the time, I wonder how these places exist.

If they are always empty, would you really want a cheaper price. I would be more than happy to pay full price.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell ******
Yes, places open then they just sit and wait. I heard from a Thai the government promotes everyone have a business. Many of the roadside businesses are lent the property for free to promote business growth. They still have to build out and pay utilities, etc.

I’m a retired businessman so I know who and where you spend your money promotes the growth in that direction.
Russell *******
@David *********
Same Same 🙏
James *******
So you are not a fan of the store?
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ******
Like coffee; there are these Westernized coffee shops like Amazon Cafe, but I go to this little shop with simple chairs for coffee and rice treats wrapped in banana leaves.

I love it. It’s so simple, they are so gracious. That’s what I’m trying say. I just like supporting the local small business.
Dennis ******
Lazada, just like Amazon, destroys the livelihood of the locals, who are probably struggling and making sacrifices to even send their kids to school. I never use them.

As far as bargaining, if it is a reasonable price I pay it. If it's inflated, I question it.

What may be 50 cents to me, might be the difference between feeding the family or sending kids to school for the seller.

I've seen them set up every day and pack up every night ... 7 days a week in many cases. You really want to talk them down to your cheap-as price? How about a little respect for how they exist?
Ivan ************
@Den***
you should check out Shopee, it's mostly local shops. Much larger range and lower prices too.
Dennis ******
@Ivan ***********
I did try to look at it, but it wanted too many details ... besides, I don't buy unnecessary stuff any more ... mostly 😉
Dennis ******
@David *********
and enabling them to send their kids to school.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ******
It’s not that it’s just you build your community but buying local if you can.

I’m America, if I find a dealer I like and the car I want is somewhere else I try to see if the dealer I like can get me that car.

Just call your money dollar vote. What businesses do I want to vote for?
James *******
Jo **********
yes many times flexible
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
Is there a starting point in price that’s insulting? I’ve read starting at 30% to 50% lower is not unreasonable. Especially if you’re a foreigner.
Mårten ********
@David *********
This is hard to answer, because in reality each vendor is different and a few variables come into play.

If you look like a tourist or a bit clueless, or rich, the initial asking price will be higher.

If the market is geared towards tourists, the asking price will be higher and the expected bargaining counter offer will be lower.

The more local you are/look/behave, the lower the asking price will be, which also means countering with a 30% offer will be insultingly low. If you speak the local dialect fluently you will receive a lower asking price. If you speak Central Thai fluently, you will be asked a little more.

Hopefully that works to understand what comes into it.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mårten *******
Yes, I’ve talked with guys who confirm until you get the hang of it you’ll pay the Falang price for awhile. Not good, not bad, just is.
Brandon ************
@David *********
Thai people normally start by asking for a discount and let the vendor throw out of the first offer, at least that's how I've seen it done. You should learn how to ask for discount in Thai. After that you can just show numbers back and forth if the shopkeeper doesn't speak English.
Jo **********
@David *********
I think 30-50 % is too much. But that’s just my opinion
Jo **********
@David *********
what is they way I learned from Thai people is this and it usually works, but not all the time. Look interested in what you want to buy and after some time ask how much and ask can lower price. They usually give me something significant
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
Plus I could express an interest over a few days and see how low the price might get. You know, “Can we make a deal, yet?”
Jo **********
@David *********
yes something like that is always good
Sam **********
Just buy on lazada. Probably cheaper
Si *******
@Sam *********
You should support the little people,

It would be a boring world if everyone bought online.
Sam **********
@Si ******
many sellers online are locals. Plus local delivery driver. Local gas station attendant.
Si *******
@Sam *********
On Lazada ?

Online shopping,

Food delivered,

Watch sport from your armchair,

Online dating,

No need to leave the house,

Sounds Great.555
Jeff *******
@Sam *********
and almost certainly fake or crap from China you'll be buying another of in a months time
Michael **********
@Sam *********
i use lazada a lot but i must admit that i have bought things and then seen them cheaper in shops.but you cant beat lazada for convenience.
Ralph *******
@Michael *********
Also Lotus Online or one of the bigger stores.
Sam **********
@Michael *********
electronics are hit or miss. We bought some solar powered flood lights for our construction site for our home and they are better than expected. But those USB portable fans last about 5 days 😄
Kim *********
@Sam *********
this is bought through Lazada. So far lasted 1 year - good quality and no problems. Can be solar panel charged or with power plug.
Michael **********
@Sam *********
i try to avoid buying electrical goods from lazada,prefer to buy from a shop where i can go back if i have a problem,i have learnt this from experience. dont have any faith in the warranty Lazada offer.,
Kim *********
@Michael *********
have you tried their warranty?
Michael **********
@Kim ********
no i said i had no faith in it not that it was no good.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *********
I’ll keep it in mind.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sam *********
I’m planning on living in this community for a while so I want to support the local economy when possible.
Marc ********
@David *********
You want to be cheap Charlie with street vendors but at the same time you claim wanting to suport them. Hilarious
Jack ****************
@Marc *******
are you bad at critical thinking or just a dick?
Marc ********
@Jack ***************
It's ok if you don't want to spend too much money than necessary but don't pretend like you want to support the poor street vendors and economy you🤡
Jack ****************
@Marc *******
maybe my example was too subtle. There can be more than 2 options. And supporting locals and being a chump are also not the same thing. I've had people ask literally 100x what other people are asking because they think they can get away with it- some people are assholes and overcharge. I'd prefer not to encourage that behavior, but I also try really hard to spend my money with poor folk.
Bonnie *********
@Jack ***************
Learn some Thai and listen to what they sell to others for.
Jack ****************
@Bonnie ********
are you talking to me?
Bonnie *********
@Jack ***************
Well, I did name you specifically.
Jack ****************
@Bonnie ********
the reply function is notably finicky. I often accidentally reply to one person in a thread when I am meaning to reply to another person.

Your comment comes off, tonally, a bit judgemental as you know nothing about me or my language skills and, operationally, quite creepy. You are suggesting I loiter around a shop and eavesdrop to the staff sell to enough other people to determine the actual appropriate sale price?

Lady, the context of all of this is "is it culturally appropriate to negotiate price and evolved to is there an ethical issue with doing so due to the inherent economic imbalance" and we have people spewing nonsense all over the spectrum here. I allowed myself to get sucked into debating with someone who is either an asshat or a troll. I'm not sure why you are even addressing me.
Bonnie *********
@Jack ***************
Oh stop. Learn some Thai, listen to what is offered to Thais for the same item. Period.

I'm happy to pay a farang add, but not by much.

I don't negotiate. I either want an item and have an idea of the cost, or I don't.

I see you don't know how the internet works. Ask stupid questions, get stupid responses.

Quit outing yourself as a USian.
Jack ****************
@Bonnie ********
I didn't ask any questions. You are a bad reader and kind of a dick. No problem, done.
Marc ********
@Jack ***************
Don't support locals wanting to ripp you off. Simple
Jack ****************
@Marc *******
you are boring now.
Joseph ****
@Jack ***************
He both boring and the dick you suspected he was.
Jack ****************
@Joseph ***
added to the block list. I often forget that you can't change asshats with conversation.
Joseph ****
@Jack ***************
Apparently, Bonnie wants onto "the list," too. You're getting a lot of grief from some expat idiots. They do flock to SEA. 😏
Jack ****************
@Joseph ***
she was particularly dumb because she thinks it's my post and when I tried to gently redirect her she doubled down on being an ass.
Joseph ****
@Jack ***************
That she did. What a bimbo.
Marc ********
@Jack ***************
Are you the sheperd of cheap Charlie and want to pretend like a generous saint too?
Mika ********
@David *********
so why ask about potential discounts ?🙄🙄😂- I very much doubt they have a lot of profit in small items -
Cloana ********
@Mika *******
he asked not to buy something, he just want to understand why this seller doesn't sell anything compared to others....
Dan *********
@David *********
then wouldn’t paying full price be the best thing to do to achieve your goal? 😅
Damo ***********
@Dan ********
haha absolutely...
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dan ********
Artificial inflation, look where that’s gotten America!

I’m not trying to ruin Thailands economy I’m trying to build it.
Wanneeta **********
@David *********
you're trying to suporting, i understand.
Thomas ********
You might get a refund from Lazada if what you bought falls apart!
Thomas ********
@David *********
oh, they will be ever so grateful! Falang come save poor Thai people 🤣🤣🤣

How do you leave Thailand with a million dollars? Answer: come with 5 million!

Yes, traditionally Thais barter. Some will 'give you a discount' if you don't barter because they had already inflated the price with the expectation of bartering but it's rare. The best way to help is to just be an easygoing human being. Don't be a cheap Charlie or a two week millionaire. That will work fine.
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