Sticky Request

jojo2130 · #1 01-20-2006, 07:31 AM

We should start a thread listing Dominican Busioness that Charge "Gringo Prices " . Its frustrating at times. But some of them are erally blatant. Maybe it will give us a Lil power .................

My wife bought several items (trinkets or gifts) for our wedding at a Shop in POP . paid 100 pesos each . We thought nothing of it . I was with her (Me being the Gringo) . She needed more items and we returned there about 2 weeks later but I waited in the car. She paid 40 Pesos each for a fraction of the quantity . The Tienda was Dorkas (I think that is the name) . And the Tienda owner was really grouchy when I went in to ask for a refund.

Can we start a Sticky ?

CyaBye3015 · #2 01-21-2006, 01:13 PM

LMAO, The list would be a lot shorter if the 'list' listed the Dominican Busioness that didn't Charge "Gringo Prices."

laurapasinifan · #3 01-21-2006, 01:52 PM

this kinda of reminds of my ex mother in law....she always wanted a cheaper price even if it was free!!!!!!!

I told her when you see a good deal act dont want more?

she could see a 1/2 carat diamond rind in an 18K simple gold setting for $100 and she would ask ..."will you take $50..

she would see brand new CD from a singer she loved and always wanted , it could still be in the new wrapper , for .50 cents.. and she would ask will you take a quarter????????

I think most of the prices are dirt cheap in the DR as it is.... the only thing way out of line seems to be rental cars..especially since they dont have insurance.

I have haggled with some shops up until I started to do the math in my head...700 pesos... no...ok 500 pesos.....no ..ok 450 pesos...... it may be this huge beach towel or something..then I figure it out...450...thats like 13 bucks

its a steal...........a towel in miami like that would cost me 30 bucks all day long... they sell T shirts at fairs here in america, and they want $50 for them becuase of soemthing printed on the outside!!!!!!!!!!!!!.. in the DR that would be 1,700 peso!.......... and you feel like its too high when they ask 700 pesos

because the numbers are so much larger.....but bring a calculator and do the math, and you will see its a good deal

thats just the way i look at it......

but i guess that doesnt address the issue of some places charging more JUST because they think you dont know better

bob

AnnaC · #4 01-21-2006, 01:59 PM

jojo you never pay what they ask, the only place you pay sticker price would be in a liquor store or a grocery store especially if they see you coming

And the haggle price is different for everyone depending on your skills.

Now this should bring on some responses.

Ken · #5 01-21-2006, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna Coniglio

jojo you never pay what they ask, the only place you pay sticker price would be in a liquor store or a grocery store especially if they see you coming

Anna, I'm sure you realize that you have greatly oversimplified. You can bargain with the vendors on Sosua beach and possibly in small , owner-operated shops, but not in the grocery stores, liquor stores, farmacias, gas stations, and all the stores with a checkout counter and cashier. In stores like Ochoa, Plaza Lama, etc., etc., I very much doubt that anyone, Dominican or foreign, even thinks of trying to bargain.

Be careful or indiana16 will use your posts to "prove" that incorrect information is being given out on dr1.

AnnaC · #6 01-21-2006, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken

Anna, I'm sure you realize that you have greatly oversimplified. You can bargain with the vendors on Sosua beach and possibly in small , owner-operated shops, but not in the grocery stores, liquor stores, farmacias, gas stations, and all the stores with a checkout counter and cashier. In stores like Ochoa, Plaza Lama, etc., etc., I very much doubt that anyone, Dominican or foreign, even thinks of trying to bargain.

Be careful or indiana16 will use your posts to "prove" that incorrect information is being given out on dr1.

Thanks Ken,
there hasn't been many responses so I threw something out there and knew that would get this guy a reply.

see indiana16 when we make a slight error we are quicky corrected by those that live there.

HOWMAR · #7 01-21-2006, 03:08 PM

I think more appropriate than a thread listing businesses that charge "gringo prices" would be a thread listing businesses which have special prices for "locals" and who qualifies as a local. We have discusssed in another thread that those of us who frequent businesses year-round, both high-season and low-season, would appreciate a break from busineses which price themselves for the tourist trade. This applies particularly to restaurants where prices are set to the tourist trade. I also find it a bit disingenuous when the owner says pay cash and I'll deduct the 16% tax. He's given me a discount out of the government's pocket, not his own.

Ken · #8 01-21-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOWMAR

I think more appropriate than a thread listing businesses that charge "gringo prices" would be a thread listing businesses which have special prices for "locals" and who qualifies as a local. We have discusssed in another thread that those of us who frequent businesses year-round, both high-season and low-season, would appreciate a break from busineses which price themselves for the tourist trade. This applies particularly to restaurants where prices are set to the tourist trade. I also find it a bit disingenuous when the owner says pay cash and I'll deduct the 16% tax. He's given me a discount out of the government's pocket, not his own.

In Sosua, you can get a card from Playero Supermarket if you have a cedula that qualifies you for a small price break.

La Roca Restaurant has a special menu for residents at a greatly reduced price.

daydream · #9 01-21-2006, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken

In Sosua, you can get a card from Playero Supermarket if you have a cedula that qualifies you for a small price break.

La Roca Restaurant has a special menu for residents at a greatly reduced price.

How does this menu differ from the normal menu?
less dishes?

jojo2130 · #10 01-21-2006, 05:26 PM

I Agree about haggling . I get discounts everywhere and most businesses are fair and honest but there are the ones that see the Gringo and blatently charge more. I recently got married at least in Sosua the judge was straight up about it . Asked if My wife was marrying Dominican (1500 Pesos) Foreigner (6000 Pesos ). I walk away when I KNOW they are trying to scalp me. And even when they chase me saying negotiable I generally say "you have insulted me and I won't do business here". Happened at a furniture store in Sabaneta , Chico's, he quoted me a price of 36,000 Pesos for a bed that I had just received a price of 18,000 pesos in another tienda. I walked with him in tow but before that made sure he knew that I was in the market for furniture for 4 homes COMPLETE including all appliances. Maybe next time he wont be so quick to double up.
But You cant be asking for discounts on 100 pesos and haggling for 2o minutes. If we had this list we could use it against the business owners to give us a fair shake. Might work a FEW TIMES AT LEAST......

I am a business man, I agree with profit but I also agree with price structure and it is a form of discrimination .