Avoiding getting ripped off in India--shoping the smart way!!!

When I got here to India I came so frightened about being flooded by people asking my to buy stuff. I was ready to put my ear plugs and let the Indians just talk their hearts out. This with no doubt happens no matter who you are. You can be Indian, American, Nepalese etc. You will still get your dose of Rickshaw Sr. Rickshaw. You will hear this a lot, very often. Also, India is know for its elaborate scams and for Indians taking advantage of you. Many people end up paying double, triple, or even four times the actual price of the item. This did not happen to me all that often because I somewhat look like may things. Indian,Thai, Laotian, Cambodian, Filipino, Nepalese, even Japanese, but never Mexican. How weird is that? Anyway, getting ripped off is something you have to deal in India and that is that. As they say hate the game and not the player. Indians are just try to make a living out of our stupidity. I got so annoyed to see so many people get ripped off in India that I have come up with a good system that will get you close to a more acceptable price.So here are the rules for this game and how to avoid becoming a statistic.1. It is sad, but always take it as fact that Indians have the upper hand.2. If you see something you like, make sure you actually like it and make some research on what it is that you are buying. For example, silk is a very good example. When you are trying to get silk you must know how to tell silk from other similar textiles. Lear its characteristics before hand. If in doubt, I think silk smells like burnt hair if you burn it. Not many other textiles do, except wool, but wool is not as fine as silk. 3. Indians will always invite you to come into their shop even if there isn't one. They will tell you to come and just see. "You don't have to buy anything." they will say. Come as friends and leave as friends they will say. It is up to you to stay or go, but it is from here where the pressure starts. They give you a lot of good looking stuff and I mean it is pleasing for the eye and they will make sure you want to buy stuff you probably don't even need. Then they will throw some prices at you that will be really high. I mean really high so here is what I usually do. If I like what I see, I say an amount about a third of the asking price.a) If the guy laughs at you, it meas that your price is ridiculous, but does not mean that you could not push and see if he actually sells you the thing.b) If he nods and gives you the item, then you have reached an agreement.c) If the guys doesn't laugh but actually seems a little agitated, that means that the price is ridiculous and you are going to have to bargain some more. For this you have to stay for a while and have lots of patience and not get scared about having a slightly loud conversation. The guy my just scream a bit and ask you to go higher, then you go just a few Rupees at a time until you get the price that you want.In general, if the guy you are dealing with goes on his way laughing or happy. That usually means that Yes, you have been officially been ripped off. If the guy goes a little angry that means you got a good deal. For the Rickshaws, they will give you a very ridiculous price and you will read in advance or ask about what is the going rate for the trip you may want to take.If the Rickshaw, is to expensive and you want to go. You have to invoke your child spirit and throw a fit. Yes, that is right! It not always works, but throwing a fit in India may get you a better price. Not all the time, but sometimes. I love this game and have learned to deal with it. I hope when you came or if you came to India can relate to this...I find it pretty awesome.