Hi Girls,

As you girls know me as a Shopaholic, Last time, I picked some stuff from Daman’s market before that I really had to pick lots of stuff from Sarojini Nagar market Delhi and this time I’ve explored Fashion Street, Bandra Market Mumbai.

Let me tell you, Street shopping may not sound very attractive and fun for some people but there is a real art to street shopping and practice makes perfect! Believe it or not, I prefer to shop for my daily regular and casual wear from these types of flea markets instead of high end brands because I found them more trendier. Does it make any sense to you?? But if you really know the correct places and have the patience to dig around in a pile of clothes then it may turn into a blessing in disguise and I’m not shy of haggling for a better price.

So here are few personal tips to become a smart street shopper:-

Comfortable Footwear

It actually happens to me most of the time. The first thing you do is walk, walk and walk so wear your comfortable flats of crocs till you finish your shopping destiny!

Be-friendly with Shoppers

Try to keep aside your Rude girl attitude for some time till you are shopping. Be-friendly with them you will not only get the best bargains on your stuff but you’ll also get the intimation for next new stock.

Bargain Bargain Bargain

If you find a basic simple shirt/top start, practically saying start with INR 200 because they usually give it to you between 200 to 300 so try to make a deal within this amount only otherwise the vendors may end up ripping off your pocket.

Don’t slip over one stuff

You were looking for a polka dot top or a quirky printed dress and finally you see the similar one hanging on a store. DON’T BOTHER, never show those sellers, this is the dress you really wanted from long time and save yourself from tricked by them. I bet you’ll find the same/similar dress at the very next shop.

Timings

It would be the perfect timing to reach there between 1 AM to 4 PM. If you love shopping in peace and want it hassle free then it will be great to shop before 4. After this, market will be more chaotic full of crowd and you’ll miss those great chic pieces which are already sold by the evening. Also Its over crowded on the weekends, so if you plan on extensive shopping, its better to go on a week day.

No Trial Rooms

There is no trial rooms available, so be sure of your size and keep room for alterations.

Export Rejects

I’ve been in this situation as well. I found a quirky printed shirt with a defect and I had to shuffle through multiple same shirt to get the one. All the clothes are usually export rejects, so look carefully before buying, get ones with minimal defects but most of the times you don’t even realize there is a defect.

Weather

Its usually sunny and dry there so be sure to use a great sunscreen and carry a water bottle + shades for you.

NO Exchange, NO Guarantee

Please remember, you are not buying stuff from some mall or branded shop, there is no guarantee or exchange available.

Carry Bigger bags

It better to carry your own big shopping bag otherwise you’ll end by holding multiple small polythene bags which may lead you to miss the stuff here and there.

Inside Scoop

• Don’t travel in car as its a crowded market place so prefer to travel from public transport
• Befriendly with shoppers but never loose your self esteem to get the great bargains. Some shoppers may find you shy and start flirting and go beyond that so its always better to break the ice and shut them up without facing the drama
• In North India, calling bhaiya is very popular among girls. Avoid calling them bhaiya, nothing can be more irritating for them.
• Any of the trick can work for you: Either say “mei aapse pehle baar khareed rahi hoon, thoda to discount do” or “mei to hamesha aapse hi khareedti hoon” they will feel great and invite you to come back next time and shop again.