bargaining

[kat999]

Hi all, our first cruise is 3-28..can`t wait. What a great board this is. O.K., hers is my question: I`ve heard never pay full price, but is there an average percent (esp. jewelry) that the seller will come down? Oh any suggestions for great shops on St. Thomas?

Thanx

[Natalia]

Ive not been shopping in St Thomas yet, so I can not answer your question... but I wanted to say =welcome Aboard! Its nice to have you joining us. Also, try posting this same thread (maybe you have and I havent seen it yet) over in the Caribbean section or the community board. Lots of seasoned cruisers/shoppers over there to help you out. Enjoy your cruise!

[chuckg0413]

When you head for the door, and they let you go, then you know, you offered lower than their bottom dollar.

If they chase you down the street, go back and bargain some more!

Jewelry has about an 800% markup there and in the US.

I know a person who works at one of the big jewelry stores chains in St. Thomas (which will remain unnamed, but every POC has more than one), and her employee discount is 70 to 80 percent.

Chuck

[clevelin]

We sailed Radiance last spring and we found that the prices on St. Martin/St. Maarten were better than St. Thomas. Your cruise director will try to tell you different, (because they get kickbacks I think) but we compared and St. Martin/Maarten was better. Also, if you have anything specific in mind, shop at home before you go so you can compare prices while on the islands.

[Runaway26]

We have also tried the various islands in the Caribbean and found St. Maarten to have the very best prices! Have bought many pieces of jewelry there!

Diane

[SATXCruiser]

Excellent advice from clevelin and Runaway26. We also found prices much better in St Maarten. Always start at a 70 - 80 percent discount (minimum). We got some VERY good deals.

[diverdiver]

I've bought all of my jewellry in St. Maarten (Dutch side - not St. Martin French side). St. Thomas prices just seem to go higher and higher. Have done this since the late 80's, and usually don't stick to one shop. Do as others have suggested. Offer low. Offer US cash. Get a written guarantee on the item. Get the store name, address, and salesperson in the shop. Know your jewellry before you go. You will see multi-"diamond tennis bracelets" for sale at about $150.00. Avoid them. Use good common sense. The really small stores with one clerk aren't the best for quality. Happy shopping!

[kat999]

Thanx for your replies...I never would have thought to go as low as 70-80%!!

Can`t wait to try this out.