Shopping in China...I could get used to this

Woke up bright and early this morning (after getting in around 4:30 am) to head to the Silk Market, one of the biggest tourist attractions (althhough the locals certainly frequent it) in Beijing. The Silk Market is eight floors of clothing, shoes, toys, bags, suitcases, jewelry, home furnishings, Chinese souvenirs and SO much more.

There were three of us on the bargain hunt: Jennie, Laura and myself. We had heard from some of our classmates who had already been that the Silk Market was crazy and the vendors would grab your arm and pull you to see their wares and there was a lot of yelling. The classmates came back haggard and frazzled, exhausted from the experience. Naturally, I was bracing myself for those crazy morning-after Christmas sales (like I experienced firsthand at the Paper Store) where people go NUTS for Hallmark ornaments or anything that is 50% off.

We figured arriving early, and on a weekday would be the best way to avoid the crowds and chaos. After stopping at the dining hall for the CUC version of an Egg McMuffin we headed to the subway. We are pretty good navigators now. Just a few stops away, we got out and looked up. There it was: SILK MARKET....8 glorious stories.

Walking in the doors I was expecting to be bombarded. Instead we were all pleasantly surprised! Sure, the vendors were trying to get our attention, but mostly it was "pretty lady, want a t-shirt?" or "beautiful lady, tie for your boyfriend." To which I replied, "bu boyfriend." bu=no.

The first item I got was a pair of Victoria Beckham for Rock & Republic jeans. The salesgirl wanted them for 1250 yuan (about $180). Almost every salesperson has a calculator, so we just punched in numbers back and forth. I offered 125 yuan (a good haggling tip I read in one of my tour books--offer 10% of what they are asking). She asked "Dollars?"
I said "No! Yuan!"
Her reply, "You crazy."
She asked for my best price, I stood firm at 125. At that point I started to walk away...and she said "okay, okay. special price. 125." (and in case you're concerned, I was able to try on the jeans before I purchased them).

And that was how it went for the next 2 1/2 hours! We haggled, we were pretty ruthless...they called us tough ladies. Plus, our professor Shujen taught us the word for too much=tai guay, so we said that a lot--which impressed AND infuriated (I think) the vendors.

Walking out of the Silk Market with our purchases, Jennie, Laura and I felt pretty good. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole subway ride back! There is something so satisfying (but also oddly unsettling?) about setting your own price and sticking to it...is this what it's like booking a hotel on Priceline?