Negotiating a price is the norm in Indonesia’s many thousands of markets, but often even in shops where “fixed” prices are displayed, there may be room for negotiation. There is usually no harm in asking “Can I make an offer?” (boleh ditawar?) or “Can you drop the price?” (boleh kurang?). The haggling process should proceed in a relaxed and respectful manner. It is not usually a good idea to try for a better price by belittling the quality of the goods or impugning the integrity of a vendor who sets a high price.
Remember that there may be no such thing as a “real” price. The price agreed upon by vendor and purchaser is the real price for that transaction. Many factors may make this price different from that which the next customer negotiates for the same item of merchandise, but it is not necessary to feel that you have been dudded if the next customer negotiates a “better” price.
