Brilio.net - A trip to Yogyakarta doesn't feel complete if you go to Malioboro. Not only can you enjoy the busy atmosphere of Jogja, in Malioboro you can also hunt for souvenirs to your heart's content. There are two shopping centers that are often visited by tourists, including the Malioboro terrace and the Beringharjo market.
Starting from clothes, trousers, knick-knacks, accessories, food, handicrafts, and various items suitable for souvenirs are available here. Buying souvenirs is sometimes limited by budget. If you only have limited costs, and don't want to burn a hole in your wallet when buying souvenirs. You need to prepare a strategy, here.
Hunting for souvenirs isn't just random, it requires skill so you don't waste money. To make your holiday even more enjoyable, let's look at economical ways to shop in Malioboro that won't make your wallet die. Reported by brilio.net from various sources, Wednesday (5/6) here's how!
A cheap way to shop like local tourists.
Unsplash.com/Farhan Arbas
1. Dress casually like local residents.
Appearance makes it easy for people to judge you. So that you don't look like a tourist, you can style yourself like a local resident, aka warlok, who is simple by wearing a t-shirt and flip-flops.
The reason is, for some traders, tourists are easy targets for setting high prices. Occasionally wear batik or black pants that look like Jogja people.
2. Bargain half price.
Although not all, there are several cases of traders who deliberately increase prices by up to half the price. That's why try to bargain for half the price.
Be smart in negotiating by opening a chat asking about the goods, then try to bargain for 50 percent or half the price set. Make sure that during the bargaining process you are polite and friendly.
3. Don't focus on just one trader.
In Malioboro there are dozens of merchant outlets offering various similar goods. If your negotiations are not successful, you can move to another stall. However, if you don't want to buy, don't just ask or hold the item.
4. Smile at traders.
Javanese people are famous for their friendliness and smiles. It's no surprise that they like to greet even strangers. So, you can use this trick when you want to buy souvenirs.
So before looking at the merchandise, try to smile. Don't forget to say greetings such as good morning, afternoon or evening.
5. A little overselling is okay.
This trick is quite challenging, because traders are often found who are reluctant to reduce their prices. Even so, it's worth a try. You can offer the price you want, if the seller doesn't want to lower the price, you can pretend you don't need the item. When you want to leave the outlet, you will definitely be called again and then you can bargain for a cheaper price.
6. Use Javanese as much as you can.
When in an area, local people tend to like someone who can master the regional language, especially foreigners because they feel their culture is respected.
To immerse yourself in local culture, you can offer prices at Malioboro Terrace or Beringharjo Market using smooth Javanese language.
You can use several vocabulary words such as pinten regane (how much does it cost), matur nuwun (thank you), kula tumbas niki (I want to buy this), gangsal ewu (five thousand) and so on.
7. Don't rush.
In Malioboro there are tens or maybe thousands of street vendors selling various kinds of goods. If you match one item, don't immediately accept the price offer. Try to be patient while looking around looking for other traders with the same goods.
Usually, you will definitely find the same goods but at a much cheaper price than other traders. The key is to be patient and clever in offering prices.
8. Invite local people.
This tip can be done if you don't have the courage to shop for souvenirs alone, but want to get a bargain price. Try to invite friends or relatives who are local. So, before leaving for Jogja, try looking for acquaintances or relatives who are there. Because, it is easier for them to understand aesthetic places and at the same time understand how to melt the hearts of traders.
Things you should not do while shopping.
Unsplash.com/Farhan Arbas
1. Don't be impulsive.
The goods in the Malioboro area are very tempting. There are many beautiful, unique and eye-catching items within reach. Moreover, her clothes make your heart stun. But remember, don't be impulsive. Buy goods according to your needs and according to your budget. Don't force yourself to buy items outside the specified budget.
2. Don't bid if you don't want to buy.
Sometimes there are people who are just casually bargaining but have no intention of shopping. You only give false hope to traders which ruins someone's mood. So, if you don't want to buy, don't try to bargain, okay? It's a different story if you want to buy but haven't found the right price, then it's fine to leave the first trader.
3. Behaving impolitely.
When you are in someone else's area, you should respect the local culture. There is a saying that where the feet stand, there the sky is upheld. This means that wherever you are, you should respect the customs of that area.
So, when hunting for souvenirs in Malioboro or on holiday anywhere. Make sure you don't break the rules there, such as throwing rubbish in the right place, not making noise, being polite and having noble character.