Little Red Dot Press - Shelled by Durian 04 Dec 2006

I give up. This Vietnam trip is totally jinxed. Right from the start, it
seemed nothing have gone right.

With Typhoon Durian approaching within the next few hours (expected landfall
1600-1800), all out-going buses have stopped. There you go. Adieus Hoi An..
Adieus....

Was planning to have at least 3 days in Hoi An, the least, so that I can get
my USD 20 suit done. Looks like I might have to get the same suit done in Ho
Chi Minh. By the way, all of you did not read it wrong. IT IS USD 20 per
suit.

Products here are relatively cheap. Yes bird-style, cheap cheap... Come come
all fellow Singaporeans, fly in and do your shelling.. erm, shopping in
style.

A rough guide for those unaware, I shall list a few of my items which I
picked up over here.
Polo T-shirt (Adidas/ Nike etc)
- First quote 200,000 VD (about 20 SGD)
- Rebuked & counteroffered 100,000 VD
- Requote 150,000 VD
RESULT - no deal.

Another half hour and another shop later, I was quoted
- First quote at 75,000 VD (7.50 SGD)
- Rebuked at 60,000 VD
- Counter quote at 65,000 VD
- Remained payment of 60,000 VD (6.00 SGD)

Salesgirl then did the unthinkable, she slipped her tongue and mentioned
55,000 VD
RESULT - 2 polo shirts bought
And I was thinking, if I had bought earlier, I would be cursing like hell.

Nike cap (Duck-type)
- Quote at 30,000 VD
- Countered at 15,000 VD
- Requote at 25,000 VD
- Stood by 15,000 VD
- Tried another cap at 15,000. I refused. Got onto my bicycle and started
moving away.
- Salesgirl called and agreed at 15,000 VD (1.50 SGD)

So much for my bargaining power.
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More to come in tomorrow edition. Food Prices.. Stay tuned