Sounds about right (maybe less if you dare !!) we tend to check prices in the shops that are marked up with no haggling involved - then compare to what the sellers are offering you.

so in the shops you dont barter at all, what about jewellery and tailor made clothes. is it only on market and beach you barter

There is no problem asking for discount in shops - depends on how much you are buying and the cost, you can shake your head and say ''no, far too much'' and see if they will budge on price. They may also have had a poor season so far, and will not want to lose business and will come down in price.
A couple of decent shops in Calangute that sell things like incense boxes these can be bought for around 50/75rps beach sellers start at around 400rps - dont get caught out.

If in doubt about prices try Shoppers Paradise in Calungute, all fixed, no haggling

Hi
I find in leather shops (selling handbags etc), you can get a decent discount.

I view buying jewellery (18ct gold set with precious gems, not cheap silver) slightly differently as I believe that if you haggle too hard, they may just substitute a lesser quality stone or put less gold in that they otherwise might.

Polly

hi polly thanks, i can see what you mean about jewellery how do you tell quality of diamonds etc. do you know any good jewellers in calangute

Hi Sammy
I usually buy my jewellery from Living Jewels in Candolim and we don't go to Calangute much but take a look here for recommendations (it's a long thread).

http://holidayforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=65870

Telling the quality of diamonds:
you need to consider the 4 'C's - Clarity, Cut, Colour Carat.

If you google, you'll find lots of information on just what this means.
There is a really good explanation somewhere in this thread about this but I can't remember who posted it.

I always examine any stone I buy with a loup - always buy an unset gemstone, then agree on the setting design.

Some of the really good diamonds will come with a certificate stating its weight, clarity, colour etc.

Good luck

Polly