Taiwan Scammer Encounter! My Empty Wallet Saved the Day.
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Sure, I understand the essence and emotions of your original text. Here is a translation that maintains those aspects while ensuring ease of understanding for English-speaking readers:
Well, what an amusing experience sounds like! I'm here to help you rewrite this "adventure", so your overseas friends can also empathize with the story and pick up its core messages.
On my last night in Taipei, I headed to a mall with the intention of shopping for some small garments or souvenirs to take back home.
- Since it was raining around the famous Taipei landmark, 101 Tower, I casually entered a mall nearby that I could no longer remember, just to wander leisurely.
- As I approached a small cosmetic store without much to catch the eye, a nice-sounding salesgirl called me over.
- "Madam, your outfit looks splendid, where did you buy it?" she asked.
- At that moment, I couldn’t help but laugh to myself, thinking how it was nothing more than an ordinary T-shirt hastily thrown on before leaving the house. However, out of politeness, I thanked her all the same, chuckling.
- At this point, another slightly older salesgirl in the store also commented on my clothing, then took a heap sand-like substance onto my hands and claimed it as a skincare ingredient-containing hand cleanser. She said I could give it a try.
- By nature, I am rather introverted ('I person'), so I truly struggled to decline others. The salesgirl was half-pushing, half-leading me into the store to listen to their product pitches.
- I merely had the initial thought that if it came at a reasonable price, I would just purchase one to avoid awkwardness. However, when she quoted the price:
- That exfoliation paste was priced at 990 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately US$30)! For such a mundane exfoliation paste, that was just too expensive!
- Then she continued, claiming that the hand cleanser would cause dry skin, thus it's best to use it in conjunction with their skincare soap.
- Despite my hesitation, I enquired about the cost of this soap. The salesgirl exclaimed excitedly, "This is really cheap at just 2990 New Taiwan Dollars!" Could a bar of soap cost US$100?!
- After stating this price, she gleefully pulled me towards the payment counter, causing me to hastily reject her idea multiple times before deciding to make an exit.
- Her face fell dramatically, turning from elation to disappointment.
- The sweet-talking friend previously complimenting my outfit immediately grabbed hold of me, saying: "Why not check out our selection of other beauty products?"
- The lady with brightened expression then began enthusiastically selling me again.
- During this resale pitch, she recommended a moisturizer set and mysteriously referred to Taiwanese pop star Jaycee Chan's ex-boyfriends as frequent users of this product. "This set may be a bit more expensive at 98,000 New Taiwan Dollars," her sentence caused me to question the actual worth of the item, which translates into US$3,000!
- Before I could walk away, she offered a bargain, saying "We have exclusive internal rates for you at 58,000 New Taiwan Dollars only – don't dare tell anyone!"
- I declined once again, stating I was a student only capable of paying for things that are reasonably affordable.
- She persisted, inquiring about 38,000 New Taiwan Dollars and even suggesting that loans were always an option… (Indeed, I didn’t misread, she suggested I borrow money just for the sake of purchasing these beauty products!)
Important Travel Tips & Guide to Avoid Falling Into Scams This event served as a reminder for me. While traveling, especially for those of us with thin skin who find it difficult to reject others:
- The first skill to develop should be the art of saying 'NO'.
- If they were to aggressively peddle their goods, be confident, firm and resolute in your rejection, and then leave. Don't be afraid of embarrassment; the embarrassment belongs to them.
- Alert, but not too anxious:
- Especially in tourist spots, where unexpected and excessive enthusiasm may lead to sales traps, stay on guard;
- Their sales techniques may be formidable, using tactics like "star-endorsed" items and "exclusive discounts." Listen, but maintain a healthy skepticism and protect your wallet.
- Shop prices before shopping:
- Make sure to inquire about the prices of anything that catches your interest, especially those without marked price tags. Leave immediately if the price seem unreasonable, there’s no need to hesitate.
Even now, whenever I recall this event with friends, I still find it comical. Nevertheless, it’s become part of my memorable travel experience, deeply ingrained in my heart as an unforgettable adventure.
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This shop is notorious. It's probably that brand claiming to sell Israeli scrubs. There are tons of victims online; I've been stopped by them too.
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Haha, is it the same one? I don't know its name, I just remember Allsaints was next door.
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Miss! You're so lucky! It's only because our manager is in that I can give you this discount!
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You know too much
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I encountered a similar tactic today too; they asked where I bought my shoes.
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That's why when I'm shopping in Taipei, I always ignore any salespeople who suddenly pop up, and I don't take any free gifts, just to avoid them pestering me relentlessly.