Bandra, as rightly called is the Fashion Queen of Mumbai! And why not? From Crop tops to collar neckpieces, everything that’s fashionable is sold right on the streets. Here are a few tips on how to become street smart for shopping at Bandra.
1. The Golden rule
DO NOT SHOW EXCITEMENT on ANYTHING, mind you, ANYTHING you like! Pretend it is just another pair of shirt you want to buy. If you show your love towards the shirt, the shopkeeper wouldn’t bargain a penny beyond.
2. Bargain
Start from Rs. 100 (whatever the product may be), then gradually increase the price agreeing on the price you thought you would pay. (Max 300 should be the budget)
3. Stick to your word
Keep your Budget final and stick to it. If you’ve come with Rs.2000 to shop – Assume you’ve only got Rs. 1000 (Saving Money brings in glee, isn’t it?)
4. Export rejects
Look for loop ‘holes’ in the product. It’s a known fact that the products in the market are usually export rejects! Pick up a lesser flawed piece.
5. Keep Calm
If the first shopkeeper did not bargain enough, the next will . Move on ! All of them sell almost similar products
6. Befriend the shopkeeper
They not only give you the best bargain, but also text you when something new comes in the store – (The newest trend includes images of the new products sent to you on Whatsapp!!! What else do you want? )
7.Footwear
Wear a comfortable pair of footwear. You need to walk, walk and walk till you find the best buys at best bargains!
8. Weather
No streets are as sunny and as dry as the streets of Bandra; no matter what the season, it’s ALWAYS sunny. Carry your sunglasses and a bottle of water always.
9. What to carry?
Carry your own Large shopping bag (avoid polythene bags – these bags usually tear and your stuffs might just fall off without you noticing. “Worst feeling!”)
10. Only before 3.00 PM
Enter the market only after 1.30 PM (anytime before, would be a waste – Perfect time would be 3.00! That’s the time you’ll find people selling chic products on the street). If you love shopping in peace, avoid evenings! It’s a chaos then! Moreover, all products are already sold by the time it’s 6.00 PM.
INSIDE SCOOPS
1. Tell the shopkeeper, you buy from him every time . He feels Popular and may offer a good bargain –
“Mein aapse hi leti hu humesha, Thoda toh price kam karo!”
2. Avoid addressing them as Bhaiya (brother) or Uncle – Nothing annoys them more.
3. Do not travel in a car, walk your way through the shopping street(Remember, show it to the seller that you are shopping on a tight budget, If the shopkeepers see you getting off a car they wouldn’t bargain AT ALL)
QUICK BITES POST-SHOPPING
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Elco Restaurant / Elco Pani Puri centre
2/A, Elco Arcade, 46th Hill Road, Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
North Indian, South Indian, Chinese
2.Candies
Mac Ronells, Pali Hill, Near Gold’s Gym, Next to Learners Academy School, Bandra West, Mumbai
Recommendation: Chicken Tikka Roll, Smoked Chicken Salad, Sticky Chocolate Cake, Red Velvet Cupcake, Canelloni, Chocolate Milkshake, Cinnamon Tea Cake, Chocolate Cupcake
3.Carter’s Blue
Amrit Building, Opposite CCD, Carter Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Fastfood, Juice, Rolls, Sandwich, Snacks
Recommendation: Chicken Shawarma
4.Mc Donalds or KFC
Grab your famous happy meal or a zinger box for a quick eat.
5.Lucky’s
Junction Of SV Road & Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Biryani, North Indian, Fast Food, Sea Food, Chinese
