I understand that bargaining is the accepted procedure when shopping at outdoor markets, in small shops, and from street vendors. But what about malls and department stores? Are the prices set in the more upscale shops? In other words, where is is appropriate to bargain and where is it not?

generally in more upscale shops/malls prices are pretty well set...it is not uncommon to ask for a discount especially if paying by cash...it also is not uncommon to be charged 3% extra for use of a credit card...often you are given a quantity discount as well...

i usually ask in a respectful way if prices are "negiotable" and that leads to a dialog full of respect and an honest answer.. don't be afraid to ask...in a place like gaysorn mall i would not expect any discounts, but i also would not be surprised if one was offered..

do lots of comparison shopping to get a feel for prices....but if you see something really unique, buy it because chances are either you won't pass it by again or it will already be sold...

i try to concentrate as much of my purchasing in few shops to achieve the maximum discount allowed....often free gifts are thrown in...sometimes it is something that you have admired in the shop....our jewerler alsways gives us parting gifts after all the business is concluded....its never jewerly, but other thai items, some with some value to them...

If a shop does not allow bargaining, there is generally a sign in the window or on the door saying “fixed price” in English (and possibly other languages). Most department stores are fixed price, but in Thailand even in shops in an upscale mall you will find many stores that will bargain, so unless you see a sign, assume you can bargain. Even if it says “fixed price” there is no harm in asking, especially if you are buying a large quantity.

With regard to being charged a surcharge to use a credit card, you should vigorously fight this. Merchants are not supposed to do this, and in their agreement with a credit card company they in fact agree not to do this, so they are in violation of their own agreement with the credit card company. This practice is called “suppression” in the credit card industry and is a problem in Asia especially, where merchants try to lure customers by saying they accept credit cards, and then make it unattractive for a customer to actually use the card by assessing an illegal surcharge. If you can’t get the merchant to remove the surcharge, make a note of it on the credit card receipt, and notify your credit card company immediately. You should also refuse to pay the surcharge when your credit card bill arrives. The credit card company will deal with the merchant on this. I have never had an issue with Visa or Amex agreeing that I do not have to pay any surcharge.

Dept stores Like Emporium and Central Chitlom or the Jim Thompson store in Bkk do NOT bargain. Mostly you will be dealing with a sales person who has not authority to give you any discount. However many of these stores have a visitors discouont scheme for non Thais. Ask if they do and then they will give you a card which entitles you to 5% off. Also do your paperwork to get your VAT back - it is easy and at the airport they do not generaly hassle you to open your bags.

robinsons dept store (chitlom branch) has offered a discount for quantity buying to me in the past....i did not ask for it