What to buy in India

In India you can buy a lot of things very cheap. But only if you know the things you're buying and know how to bargain. In many touristplaces you're offered to pay half now and half when you receive it. "then we'll send it as a parcel, so you don't have to carry it". Just don't do it !

What to buy:

• Carpets: The place to buy them is in Kashmir. But if you want a good price, you must have a good knowledge about the carpet you're buying. What affects the price is the percentage of silk, the number of knots and the type of carpet. A typically price is 200-300 rs pr/foot. Many carpets are made after a melody. So that the melody is the pattern.
• Paper mache:Unbreakable !. Are made in to boxes, lamps, plates, and so on, some even with gold. The price can be as little as 15-20 rs.
• Silk paintings Paintings with hunting scenes, hindu mythology. Many are very beuatifull. The quality of the paper affects the price. A 40x60 cm should cost ap. 30-35 rs. But it's an article where it's difficult to get the indian price.
• Bedspreads, Table covers:Excellent buy in India. You can get them for as little as 50 rs.
• Cloth Cheap in India. You can have it made, so that it suits you perfect. You should be able to know the different kind of cotton and silk. Madras cotton is a special kind of cotton, that look very much like silk.
• Shoes Are cheap and of good quality, but remember to bargain !
• Books A very good buy in India. Many western university books are printed in a special Indian edition. The exact same book, can therefor be 10-15 times cheaper. Sending a book parcel home, is much cheaper then a normal parcel.
• Sandalwood: Found throughout the country, but be sure of that you know the actual price
• precious stones: If you really know your stuff, India is the place to buy them. Star ruby, Amethyst and Auqamarine are good to buy in India.

Bargain tips
• You should have at least some knowledge of the thing you buy. The more knowledge, the better bargain situation you'll have. If you buy cloth, you must be able to see the different qualities of cotton, silk...(not at all that easy !)
• Never ever show any excitement of the thing you want to buy. the less interested you look, the better.
• You can't use the rule "The salesman always start out with 10 times the real price". Some start out with 10 times the real price, other 20 times.
• Make the other go down in price, before you even start to mention your own price.
• Even the smallest defect, you should use to bargain down the price
• As long as the indian is smiling, you're not even close to the real price.
• Try to watch how the indians bargain, and learn
• Take advantage of that you are buying, he/she is selling.
• If you buy much in the same shop, get discount
• And remember that the indians have years of practice, you're just a beginner