便宜一点吧。

Use it when you are at a street market or a small boutique. You usually say it after the seller gives you the first price. Don't look too excited about the item. Keep your voice calm and friendly. You can add 老板 (lǎobǎn), which means 'boss,' at the start. Say: 老板，便宜一点吧！ It makes the seller feel respected while you ask for a deal.

Use it at outdoor clothing markets or souvenir stalls. It works great at fruit stands if you are buying in bulk. Use it when renting an apartment to negotiate the monthly rate. It is perfect for silk markets or electronic hubs. Basically, use it anywhere prices aren't printed on a barcode.

Never use this in a high-end mall like Gucci or Apple. Do not use it in chain supermarkets or convenience stores. They will just look at you confused. Avoid using it in formal restaurants with printed menus. If there is a digital cash register and a scanner, bargaining is usually a no-go. You will look a bit silly trying to haggle for a Starbucks latte!

Bargaining is a sport in China. It is a way to build a quick 'relationship' with the vendor. Sellers often start with a 'tourist price' expecting you to haggle. If you don't ask for a discount, you are overpaying. It is expected behavior in traditional commerce. It shows you are savvy and know the local ways. Just remember to keep it 'win-win' so everyone stays happy.

If you want to be even more direct, say 太贵了 (tài guì le), meaning 'too expensive.' Follow it up with 能不能便宜点? (néng bù néng piányi diǎn?), which means 'can you make it cheaper?' If you are buying many items, try 多买点，便宜点 (duō mǎi diǎn, piányi diǎn). This means 'I'm buying more, so give me a better price.' It is the ultimate power move for a shopper.