While my parents had a great time here site visiting, one thing became shockingly clear. My mother’s sole aim while in a store with me was to undo whatever mediocre negotiating abilities that I have gained in the last 9 months! Here was a conversation that actually took place:
Me: “We want this one [a bracelet that she wanted]; how much?”
Store clerk: “60 RMB.”
Me: “Too much, I think 20 RMB.”
Clerk: “I can’t sell it for that.”
Mom: “How about 40? 45?!?!”
I had to rush her out before her fear of losing the sale overwhelmed her and she offered more than his original price. I went back later that morning with a Chinese friend who was with us and she got the bracelet for 25 RMB, which was better than I could have gotten honestly. Anyway, I gave it to my mother with a snide “here is a free lesson in negotiating" comment and then promptly realized that in the end she got it for free!!! Who’s laughing now?
Apparently the trend continued throughout their time here as Rebecca took them around various shopping districts. Finally, my father put her in timeout for bad negotiating:
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