One of the highlights of a trip to Shanghai is the awesome shopping you can find in the city. Whilst many flock to Nanjing Road to get their fashion fix, I prefer to head underground - literally.
Nestled below ground and above the Science and Technology Museum metro stop, is AP Plaza - my favourite fakes market in Shanghai.
This market is an underground treasure trove of goodies and with trainers to handbags, glasses to underwear this place has it all. Whatever style of trainer/bag/watch you are after this place is sure to have it. So far I have bought Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance and even a pair of Dr Martens from this place. As well as Fjallraven bags, Herschel wallets, Casio watches and even prescription glasses, made to order within half an hour!
This is a great place to find gifts and fill up your suitcase before heading back home. You can even buy a suitcase here if you need.
THINGS TO KNOW
BRING CASH
The easiest way to pay is with cash so make sure you have plenty as many places don’t accept card. If you have WeChat or Alipay these can be used at many vendors.
HAGGLE
This is customary here in China and this place is full of pros so make sure you are familiar with the exchange rates.
DO NOT ACCEPT THE FIRST PRICE
This is my most valuable piece of information.
Whatever they offer you is simply way too much so be prepared to haggle. My advice is to offer between 5 and 10 % of their initial price so they know you mean business and work your way up from there. They may act as if you are being rude so conversing in a light-hearted, jokey manner will often score you points. Settle at around 20-30% depending on how much you want the bag/trainers etc.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO WALK AWAY
If your haggling doesn’t seem to be working then don’t be afraid to walk away. More often then not they will lower the price and if they don’t then you will probably find it at the next shop anyway.
ASK FOR A DEAL
If you are buying more things from one shop then don’t be afraid to ask for a deal.
SHOP AROUND
There are many shops in this area and a lot often sell the same thing so if you think it is too expensive, someone else will most likely go down to a cheaper price.
KNOW YOUR PRICES
Do a bit of research before you go to know how much you would spend on something back home. Different styles of trainers start at different prices just like they would be in the shops back home, so if you know how much the genuine items cost it will be easier to know if you are getting a good deal.
HAVE FUN
This place is certainly an experience and one which I love. It’s like a sport here, so enjoy it and have fun I’m sure you will come out with some great bargains.
IF YOU LIKE IT, PIN IT!
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