chinese style bartering in the US

[david_dawei]

I will say that I have witnessed my wife get us discounted doctor office visits for the second time now...

 

The short version is that when in MA, I went to a specialist who had to perform some injections (and draining of fluid) to my knee.. which typically cost about $450 a visit.

 

First approach once in FL was she found a chinese [specialist] who can do it.. Second, to butter him up with sweet Beijingese talk. Third, once at the payment, to explain that is too much (The lady reduced the cost of three different line items; The final office visit cost alone was cut to $40)! We walked out of there with a $145 visit to do the same procedures in MA for over $450. Finally approach is to return to the same doctor and continue to lower those costs...

 

----

 

Anyone can share a chinese style barter in the US..

[Dan R]

David she did good. Didn't you know that if you don't use insurance you can expect at least 50% off for most medical services? How did you manage before you were under the protection of a Chinese wife?

[Guest pushbrk]

I will say that I have witnessed my wife get us discounted doctor office visits for the second time now...

 

The short version is that when in MA, I went to a specialist who had to perform some injections (and draining of fluid) to my knee.. which typically cost about $450 a visit.

 

First approach once in FL was she found a chinese [specialist] who can do it..  Second,  to butter him up with sweet Beijingese talk.  Third, once at the payment, to explain that is too much (The lady reduced the cost of three different line items;  The final office visit cost alone was cut to $40)!    We walked out of there with a $145 visit to do the same procedures in MA for over $450.    Finally approach is to return to the same doctor and continue to lower those costs...   

 

----

 

Anyone can share a chinese style barter in the US..

217837[/snapback]

That sounds like excellent bargaining but what was bartered?

 

I don't understand enough of what's going on to know when or how much costs are being reduced as a results of the conversations I hear but don't understand.

 

Is bartering common in China?

[david_dawei]

chinese style bartering: If your willing to go down on the price, I'm willing to pay you !

[change2marrow]

I will say that I have witnessed my wife get us discounted doctor office visits for the second time now...

 

The short version is that when in MA, I went to a specialist who had to perform some injections (and draining of fluid) to my knee.. which typically cost about $450 a visit.

 

First approach once in FL was she found a chinese [specialist] who can do it..  Second,  to butter him up with sweet Beijingese talk.  Third, once at the payment, to explain that is too much (The lady reduced the cost of three different line items;  The final office visit cost alone was cut to $40)!    We walked out of there with a $145 visit to do the same procedures in MA for over $450.    Finally approach is to return to the same doctor and continue to lower those costs...   

 

----

 

Anyone can share a chinese style barter in the US..

217837[/snapback]

That sounds like excellent bargaining but what was bartered?

 

I don't understand enough of what's going on to know when or how much costs are being reduced as a results of the conversations I hear but don't understand.

 

Is bartering common in China?

217890[/snapback]

Bartering from my understanding is trading goods for services and vise versa. This is all done without the use of money. This is still done in China, but more in the rural areas.

 

Bargaining IS China. Seriously, everything is negotiable and I mean everything.

 

Other ways of reducing a price is with "guan xi" or connections.

[hakkamike]

I will say that I have witnessed my wife get us discounted doctor office visits for the second time now...

 

The short version is that when in MA, I went to a specialist who had to perform some injections (and draining of fluid) to my knee.. which typically cost about $450 a visit.

 

First approach once in FL was she found a chinese [specialist] who can do it..  Second,  to butter him up with sweet Beijingese talk.  Third, once at the payment, to explain that is too much (The lady reduced the cost of three different line items;  The final office visit cost alone was cut to $40)!    We walked out of there with a $145 visit to do the same procedures in MA for over $450.    Finally approach is to return to the same doctor and continue to lower those costs...   

 

----

 

Anyone can share a chinese style barter in the US..

217837[/snapback]

Yes, the next step will be having your leg cut off at the knee to save more money from the injections and fluid draining