(Yi Jiao - the equivalent of a penny)
You are getting ridiculously, unbelievably, royally ripped off.
It is very common for locals to ask- how much did you pay for that? Then laugh and tell you how badly you were taken to the cleaners. After a few weeks (once my survival needs had been met), I got pretty angry about being ripped off and decided I would not take it any more. I went from no argument whatsoever to.... well, the complete opposite. No one was going to take advantage of me! A common strategy in bargaining is walking away. This works like a charm, when used correctly. My issue was timing. They would give a price, and I would scoff, throw out a ridiculously low offer, and when they declined I would walk away. I would walk slowly, thinking they would see the light and call me back. Wrong. I would glance back to see if they were thinking about my offer. They weren't.
After about 3 months here, I am finally getting the hang of it. It is a game which can be great fun once you learn to play. I am still studying the art of bargaining. I have much to learn, but I can at least enjoy the learning process now. I realized it is a way of life, not a personal attack. And it is all a part of adapting to and living in China.
Common bargaining lingo...
Pian Yi- cheaper
Da zhe- discount
No money- A typical response to my offer, meaning my offer is so low it equates to a loss
Lady- what I am called as I walk away, as in "Lady, lady come back. 20 for you."
Tai gui le- too expensive
Duo shao qian? - How much does it cost?