Street hawkers                                                              Back

Hawkers are everywhere on Bali, from the beaches & streets to the Temples & resorts.To most of the tourist, I met, they are a royal "Pain in the butt.". Me? I like them.

It wasn't always so, when I first went to Bali they reminded me of flies, they were all over me and no matter what I did I couldn't keep them away from me but after a few days I learned how to avoid the hassle. The main thing is to let them know that they are wasting their time. (Remember while they are wasting their time trying to sell you something, you are definitely not going to buy, another hawker is making a sale to a tourist across the street.) Believe me they understand this and even though they enjoy the challenge, money in the hand is money in hand. The main thing is to convince them that no matter what they offer in the way of price you are not going to buy the item/Items they are trying to sell you.

I have made quite a bit of money reselling items I bought from hawkers. They seem to be almost desperate to sell their wares. If you are good at bartering it's not hard to get a great, almost unbelievable deal. Your best deals will be from hawkers out of the main tourist areas, early in the morning (This goes for any purchase, The Balinese are superstitious & believe that the first sale will bring them luck. You can't sell the rest of your merchandise till you've made your first sale.) and at the end of the day (Better to take money home then merchandise.)

"Tidak", (no) "Treima Kasih." (Thank you) and keep walking (Try not to make eye contact) This tactic will deter all but the most aggressive hawkers.

If you decide to barter with one hawker, don't be surprised if your not soon surrounded with a swarm (and I mean that literally). At this time I advise that you tell the person with whom you're trying to make a deal, that if he really wants to make a sale he had better have the others leave.

To drive a hard bargain keep walking while you deal (You have to meet someone & are in a hurry.)

Please treat them like (I hope) you treat the other Balinese you deal with, with respect. Remember they are only trying to make a living in a area of the world where little is a lot and every sale is important.