dosu

Has anyone been to this place. Nirula Handicraft Bazzar in Delhi. I want to know how reputable it is. Was brought there by a guide, so am a little wary. Purchased jewelry, and i wonder if the place is a trusted store or not. I know it's a bit late now but has anyone been there?

BostonHarbor

Yes, I bought a couple things there, including a beautiful kashmiri rug. The Bazzar is made up of lots of individual vendors. I had no problem with it and their prices were better than the government stores. If you liked what you bought, just enjoy it.

dosu

Thanks, Boston. Actually my husband purchased something there. Is this the type of place where you should bargain hard? Because I'm not so sure that he did. I don't even know what he bought yet, as it is a gift for me, but i know what he paid and wasn't sure this was the kind of place where you should buy expensive jewelry, unless you know what you're buying.

I suppose it is it the government stores that you don't bargain at all? Just curious for next time.
Thanks

BostonHarbor

Yes, you should bargain everywhere outside the "Cottage Industry" stores. I bought a multi-strand faceted bead Burmese ruby necklace (at least they told me it was Burmese) at Nirula and I believe it was a decent price. I got them to come down 50% off the original price--but they were chasing me down the street LOL. Who knows if I was still ripped off? It doesn't matter. I love the necklace. Everytime I wear it I get compliments and I tell them I bought it in India, which starts a nice conversation.

Enjoy your gift and wear it knowing your husband was thinking about you in Delhi. As they say in the Visa add, that's "priceless"

rhkkmk

we have been to this shop last year....they are very nice there and have a great stock of rugs and other things....its a typical kashmiri shop...some preasure to buy but not bad....know exactly what you want before going however....check out the prices at the cottage industries shop first so that you will know your prices...

dosu

Thanks all... So if a store says it's a Cottage industry store you don't bargain at all?
Well, unfortunately DH is not a bargain kinda guy, so i'm expecting the store made a great sale. Couldn't see him walking out of the store, but i hear that's what you have to do. If it were a few hundred it wouldn't be so bad. Oh well, you're right, if I love it, I won't care....something to remember and laugh about I guess.

rhkkmk

many stores call themselves "cottage stores", but only a few are government owned.....i would try to bargain everywhere...

CWillTravel

Also sort of an "after the fact" realization, we looked up Nirula after buying two rugs there and having them shipped back to us back in the States. Our tour guide was a little disdainful of their shop (turns out she was just mad she didn't to take us shopping where she would get a commission.) After it took a couple weeks longer than promised for our delivery, we were a little worried. But I am happy to report the rugs shipped as promised and the store was very responsive when I emailed to inquire of their status. They do sell hard (we were not even planning on buying anything!) and browsing can easily turn to buying, but we are very happy with the products.