Inexpensive luxury can be found in the biggest world cities, Bangkok included. It is not unusual that you’ll be able to find a Cartier watch for less than $300 USD at the department store near your hotel. The following article outlines some of the easiest steps you should take when shopping for best Cartier in Bangkok.
Avoid shopping on the street
The art of getting things for a cheap price at local marketplaces is something that has been passed down from generation to generation in Bangkok. These bulk-buying, neon-lit markets are home to many different types of goods that are normally obtainable at highly inflated prices (100% markup). Buying a Cartier watch at a street market will cost you hundreds of dollars more than if you were able to purchase one at your hotel, mall or department store.
Do not shop alone, with 2 or 3 people
The price at the department store seems relatively reasonable, but it is much higher than what you can expect to pay at a street market. There are multiple ways that the price of Cartier watches can be jacked up – like negotiating with an intermediary. So, it makes sense that you should either go alone or have someone you trust with you to help keep an eye on prices and manage any negotiations.
Watch repair shops are everywhere
If you do find a watch that is more than you hoped for, have the watch looked at at one of many local jewelry repair shops that can appraise and fix what little problems there may be on a watch before you buy it. Make sure to bring a calculator with you as well as some basic knowledge of how to calculate the exchange rate between Baht and US Dollars (the currency most commonly used). This is always helpful in case they try pull a fast one when doing business with them.
Buying Cartier watches in Bangkok is a great way to save money while still getting the high quality and luxury that Cartier is known for.
Know Your Budget
It is important to know your budget before you start shopping. Most dealers will not quote a price until they have seen the piece you are interested in buying and can select the best stones for it. If you ask for a price before they look at the item, it is not uncommon for the price to be much higher than what you were expecting. It is also important to know how much money you want to spend and how important quality is to you.
To avoid spending too much money on mediocre pieces of jewelry, it is good practice to walk around with a notebook so that you can write down recommended rates that foreign tourists have paid for similar items (because Thais are often ignorant as well as changing their prices daily).
If you are looking for an inexpensive accessory that will make a statement and express your personality, buy an inexpensive Cartier watch in Bangkok. You will be glad that you did.