Phuket Travel Forum

We're off to Phuket and Bangkok in May, would love to know what others have been paying for their wares at the markets.

Always nice to go in informed!

It would help if you say what products you're interested it. The weekend market in Bangkok at Chatuchak sells everything you can think of, and a lot you can't!

Hahaha, from what I have since read, it is easy to presume I want to buy anything from a vase to a crocodile!

I'm chasing more the standard items like Billabong, Ripcurl etc shorts/t-shirts/tank tops (guys and ladies) Gucci bags, sun dresses, jeans.

Not the real deal stuff, Thailand holiday, not Paris, no Lottery win!

Thanks for your help guys. We went there a while back, and found it a lot easier when you had an idea in your head. Otherwise it just gets so overwhelming, don't want to end up rocking in the corner on my first day :)

Typically people always come 'n see Thai Culture while shopping for Thai unique products like handicraft, thai silk, etc. There're many place to visit like Jatujak weekendmarket. You'll see variety and nice of gifts and decorations:)


Courtesy from Cheap Thailand Hotels & informative about Thais at..
www.hotelzbooking.com

Different tourists pay different prices when shopping...Of course it's always good to get the best price....Most people would ask the dealer the cost of the item,then most buyers would halve it...and negotiate from there...
I personally don't adhere to this idea,but it's a start...Sometimes,you can just walk away if you're not happy with the deal and sometimes the dealer will call you back...and say "OK..!!" and settle on your last offer...I think all DVD's are BHT 70 in Patong..buy 1 buy 100,new or old,still BHT 70...

Sam, Have a look at my Phuket Shopping price guide, its photos and prices of loads of things we have bought in Phuket and also from other forum members. There is also a smaller one for Bangkok.
Cathy
http://www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com/price_guide.htm

Thanks everyone! Cathy, special thanks to you, great page :)

Ahhh, I was going to recommend Cathy's shopping page, but she beat me to it.

When shopping though, work out what you think the item is worth first. What would you pay for it on sale at home? I have bought things in Perth cheaper than they've wanted in Phuket - after the bargaining! Generally, you should pay between a quarter and a half of what they originally ask for. It depends on how much they think they can get out of you as to what starting price they put on the item.

Bear in mind, the quality of much of what you buy is not that flash.

Thanks Sam (and Tina)
Tinas advice is so true, only ever pay what ypou think the item is worth and remember a lot of things are fake, so ask yourself, is it really worth that price etc.
Cathy