Bargaining at Cherng Talay’s market

Mondays and Thursdays are market days in Cherng Talay (behind the Red Room restaurant) – this is just one of the many Phuket markets which spring up on certain days of the week – and it is my favourite because it features a great number of second-hand clothes stalls. If you are not squeamish about where your clothes have been, who they have been on and like the idea of reducing your carbon footprint, then you will enjoy the art of second-hand clothes shopping! Used clothes sold at this market cost less than 200THB per piece. Stalls rack up both men’s and women’s clothing, as well as children’s clothes – all washed and sometimes ironed so as to close the sale quickly without too much effort. And business is brisk. If average wage is around 15000THB for someone in a secretarial/clerical position, and the cost of buying a brand new dress from I guess is about 5000THB, it is not hard to see why the vendors do well. Most buyers are from the neighbouring offices seeking a bargain. The “dos” of second-hand clothes shopping include: Do take time to purchase the offerings.  Do read labels – they are always good indicators of quality and age. Do bargain. The “don’ts” are: If you stumble upon a very nearly brand new Paul & Joe blouse selling for 99THB, don’t show your excitement – vendors are sometimes brand-savvy and will hike prices up accordingly. Don’t wear your purchases quite immediately – give them a good soak and wash in disinfectant before donning them. To avoid cat fighting over items, don’t go to the market between 5 – 7 pm – there will be too many women in the stalls.