More than genuine buyers, bargain hunters are having the last laugh at the ongoing India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan here.
Carrying bags full of imported products, Lakshman Madhukar Kale, a senior citizen who runs his own business, says: “Since the past 29 years I have been regularly visiting IITF. But this year’s fair is special as foreign exhibitors are offering good bargains. My wife has bought a number of goods for our home.”
Another visitor, Anil Malik, was in for a pleasant surprise when he walked into Hall No. 12 A on Tuesday. He discovered that Pakistani designers, who are selling exquisite ladies suits and a wide range of saris, are flexible with the price. “Pakistani stalls are willing to give 20 to 30 per cent discount on their products,” he says.
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Afghan carpet seller Mohammad Ali, who is selling a wide range of carpets, says he is willing to accommodate within reasonable limits. “We don’t mind customers haggling as long as they end up buying something from us. Normally the prices of my most of ours products are fixed. Here we are ready to bring down the prices. But beyond a point we will not agree even if it means taking goods back to Afghanistan,” he says.
Importer Arun Ganguly, who deals in Pakistani spices and pickles, says he is selling three packets for Rs.100. “As the first five days were reserved exclusively for the business community there wasn’t much bargaining. However, after the general public was allowed entry to the exhibition ground, there is scope for bargaining. We have come out with a lot of attractive schemes for customers.”
Pakistani leather seller Sharmam, who has put on sale leather jackets and belts, says a lot of bargaining is going on as the fortnight-long fair is coming to an end. At times we have even agreed to sell our products at the customers’ price.
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Amilla from Sri Lanka says though the material cost of his papier mache products–bags, coasters and pen holders–is low, his working cost is very high. “People feel that newspaper is cheap and hence products made out of them should also be cheap. Our products are reasonably priced, we have to include the transportation cost also,” he says.
However, Thai seller James complains that Delhiites have a habit of bargaining even on those products where there is virtually no scope. “I am selling two packets of roasted fish for just Rs.100. Some people are asking for three packets for the same price.”