Nha Trang Shopping Tips: Best Markets and Boutiques for Souvenirs – Part 2
The most frustrating part of this trip to Nha Trang was the two days of shopping that were arranged in the itinerary. Every store claimed to be a state-owned enterprise, assuring everyone that they could buy with peace of mind and that the quality was guaranteed.
1. Jade Store
On the first day, we were taken to a jade store.
Along the way, the local guide kept promoting how good the jade in Nha Trang was, saying it was all directly imported from Myanmar, and because they are part of the ASEAN ten countries, there would be tax benefits. As soon as we arrived at the jade store, each person was required to wear a badge with a number on it.
When we went to pay, they would check which guide brought us, and the guide would receive a corresponding commission. Then, a seemingly professional salesperson came over and introduced us to the standards of good jade and their pricing model, which was in US dollars. The local guide insisted that everyone had to look at the jade and not just stand or squat around, and no water or rest areas were provided.
We were not allowed to leave until after 4 hours.
Fortunately, my friend really needed to buy a bracelet, so we were seriously selecting. In fact, between 6000 RMB and 20000 RMB, it’s hard to tell the quality of the jade. Under the persuasion of the salesperson, she chose a bracelet for more than 19000 RMB, and the salesperson and the local guide were extremely happy.
We took a photo on the spot and consulted a friend who knew about jade, who said that the jade looked like it was worth less than 2000 RMB. My friend was instantly stunned by the huge discrepancy. So, we asked for a refund, and the salesperson’s face changed immediately, refusing to give a refund, saying that the phone couldn’t capture the effect, and if sold in China, it could fetch over 20000 RMB.
My friend still wanted to return it, fearing being cheated. The local guide, seeing the situation, ran over to ask what was happening and immediately offered to use her points to give us a discount, bringing the price down to over 18000 RMB. Due to the time pressure and many people getting impatient, we had to take the bracelet and leave.
On the way back, the local guide started complaining, saying that the group members on our bus were not as supportive as other groups, and her target was not met.
In the evening, we found a professional jewelry appraiser, who said the bracelet was worth about 1800 RMB, confirming that we were indeed cheated.
We had a serious talk with the local guide, insisting on a refund. The local guide then dropped the act, saying it was difficult to handle, and once purchased, it was not easy to get a refund. We contacted the insurance company’s leader, who also said directly that this was a shopping tour, and there was a minimum spending requirement, about 7000 RMB per person.
If we returned the item this time, we would have to buy something else during the next shopping stops.
