shopping costs in Mumbai.

Fionabog

I'm a newbie to the forum, this is my first post
We're planning a trip to Mumbai in December, and being a confirmed shopper, wonder if anyone has a price listing for the sort of things I'd be likely to buy from market stalls etc.
I've spent a fair bit of time in Indonesia, and I'm a fairly good haggler, but to do that you need to have a good idea of what's a fair price in the first place.
I'd like to buy some costume jewellery, good quality sheets, and those wonderful beeded, sequiny shoes you see in photos everywhere. My hubby calls me a magpie, cos I'm VERY attracted by glittery things, he's starting to suspect that India may well be a shopping Mecca for me.

On a serious note, I've been reading some postings on here, of peoples first experiences, and have found some to be extremely moving. I hope India has as profound as effect on me!

nayan

In India price varies enormously depending on the quality of the product and the location you are buying it from.

Just an example..... the sequined sandals .... it will beRs 100 to 150 in linking road footpath stalls(post bargaining) .... You will get similar looking sandals(different quality) for Rs 1000 in Metro or Citywalk just across the street.

The best thing abt shopping in India is you can get most stuff in a wide variety of price range.... just buy whatever suits your pocket.

bright sequinned costume bangles etc should be available at around Rs100 a pair....very rough estimates

mani

Shopping in mumbai is fun .

Let me know where you will be staying, will suggest the nearest local haglers paradise.

For south mumbai :
Its fashion street and colaba causeway
For north mumbai:
Its bandra Linking Road

Sandels/ Sequined shoes - Rs 80 - 150 depending on the amount of work done on it.

Costume Jewlery - Rs 10 for a pair of simple earings - 1000-5000 for good quality gold plated stuff

best of luck
mani

fnm500

If you are looking for quality stuff, you should not miss the Bombay Store in the Fort area of Mumbai.They have some classy items that you'll be proud of showing off/wearing.

Check out:http://www.bombaystore.com/

Prices might not be the cheapest and there is no opportunity to haggle, but atleast you know what you're getting.

amarshah

I suggest an another way out.... list what you looking for so accordingly ppl can provide you tips...

Anyways walk at Colaba from Regal ..the shops on the street will have some interesting things

__________________
Cheers

Amar

Himalayan Trips - http://amards14.googlepages.com/

Fionabog

I suppose I was just hoping to get some sort of idea of a FAIR price, that way you don't get tramped too badly in the haggling!!

Do I expect to have to haggle seriously to get the quoted prices, or do people agree fairly willingly?

What price do I look for some good quality linens?

Now, for the silly question of the day,
Can I get Diet Coke, my posion of choice, easily? Or a substitute?
cheers, Fiona.

Fionabog

We're loking at staying at the Suba Palace HOtel, so will be in Colaba.
Any reports?

Fionabog

if I was to spend a zillion rupees in India, and totally overdo my buggage allowance ( has happened before!) do DHL or any other reputable shipping companies operate there? Is the mail system reliable or not? I spent a fair bit of time in Indonesia, and would never send anything in the mail, as I've never had anything arrive un-helped!

navinkurian2002

The location of the office from where DHL activities in India are controlled.

DHL Express (India) P.Ltd
Express centers
Dheeraj Arma 8th Floor
A. K. Marg
Bandra East
Mumbai (Bombay)
400051

Opening hours

Mon-Fri 09:30-18:00
Sat-Sun Closed
Holidays Closed

Check out the Malls and the supermarkets and you will always get a fair price and there is absolutely no haggling allowed at these places.

Nick-H

The mail system is pretty good here.

If you are serious about the Zillion rupees and want to buy big stuff like large bronzes, carpets, etc --- then you'll probably find the seller will be arrange shipping for you.

mani

Yes Diet Coke is no problem.

Cottage emporium is oppsite suba palace and is a good place to buy traditional peices and they do handle postage.

the main office for DHL is in andheri on the way to the airport

let me know if you need nay other info.

regards
mani

amyl

if shopping on streets....

"How much for this?"
"Theeree Hundred rupees"
"oh...threee Hundred!!!?!!! I can give only 120 Rs for this"
"no no...theeree hundred"
"Ok" Walking away
"Ok Madam... 250....last"
"No! 120Rs" Walking further away
"Hello Madam....Madam..Hello....take take"



I generally start with half the price and then trade from that point to get a better price. But you being a foreigner the quoted price itself would be different(read much higher) from the one told to an Indian.

Anyways, Have fun!

__________________
a'mar kono chinta nei

Nick-H

Do you find that wearing a sari increases your bargaining power?

capt_mahajan

only when I do the bathing in the river trick

__________________
.
Outside the machine

amyl

haa haa haa

that was not my conversation with the street guys. It was just kind of a probable interaction Fionabog wud have...and the way she might try bargaining.

but that was a good start of my day with a good laughter there, Nick.

and anyways even if I were wearing a sari I will have to hide my goatee somehow and put two more rings in the other ear to give a feminine look...ummm....but my coarse voice!! naaah! thats not my take just to get a better price, forget it!
and anyways..these guys practice equality you know..anyone "NEW" is their prey....no discrimination based on genders