"You are never the last one to get on the local, until it starts moving"
- ME
If you describe it as "awesome" or "cool", you are NEW to the city! Take a ride and you'll find how multitasking it is! From clips to kurtas, shoes to scratch guards, books to bhajji. You will find EVERYTHING!
So, I'm guiding you how to shaana (Mumbai Lingo: Smart) shop on the train :
TAKE : Hair Accessories. (Chic and cheap )
Books (Not original, but who cares, you read it once and dump it, right?)
Jewelery (Sometimes even better than online stores. Plus you can try it on too)
Mobile Accessories
Keychains
Eatable (They are totally yummmy and unhealthy!)
China maal (From Rubik's cube to your kitchen needs, just for Rs. 20)
FAKE : Cosmetics. (You will find duplicate brands,better to keep your hands away).
TIPS :
1. Now or Never : Chance of you finding the same aunty is very low, and even if you do, she wont remember you. So check your stuff well before you buy it.
2. Bargain : Select the object you want. Ask for the price. Reduce it to 1/3rd. And start increasing slowly. You'll find that you'll grab the item for nearly half the initial price. Doesn't work on everything,but yes,"50 ka 3 do is allowed!" ;)
3. Don't regret : If you like it and after bargaining for 20 minutes she doesn't hear, IGNORE. And pray she comes back to strike a better deal! 80% of the times, she does come back. If she doesn't call her and ask "Last bhav bolo!". Start low so you don't regret paying too much!
4. "Konsa station" : "Claim" your seat before you start shopping. Take your time and then pick!
5. Public opinion : If you are confused about what to take, smile at the lady next to you and ask her what she thinks about it! She might even bargain for you later! ;)
6. Try it on : If you are buying kurtas or shoes, try them on! Wear you kurta over your t-shirt and check for the fitting. The kurta shouldn't cost more than Rs. 200. And for the shoes, they can range from Rs. 60 to Rs. 150.
Now, that you have an idea about how to go about, take a ticket (YES! Travelling without proper ticket is not only an offence but also a social evil), and take your shopping ride. Be the shaana shopper!
SM! :)
