Buying at the Bazaars

What Make You Happy - at the Haji Marts

There are two basic types of Haji Marts on BAF: those sponsored by AAFES and those not sponsored by AAFES. In either case, you must be VERY careful when you buy from these hawkers.

There are two places for each type. AAFES has shops by ECP-1 and next to the main AAFES store. The other two are in the SF camps. There should be a sign at every entrance to the Haji shops that says, “CAVEAT EMPTOR”.

There are some bargains to be gained at “some” of these shops, but for the most part, you will pay too much for a piece that is WAY over valued/priced. Many of the gems are pressure and heat treated to make them a better stone. The vendor is supposed to tell you this up-front. Many of the lapis stones have been impregnated with dye to give them more blue color. (tip – use an alcohol prep pad to wipe on the stone; if there is blue on the pad, it is impregnated).

AAFES is supposed to have a money back guarantee for the products you purchase at the official AAFES shops. So, NEVER throw away your receipts. With the other SF shops, there are no guarantees, but the vendors will work with you if you are not satisfied.

Some of the vendors are just trying to make an honest living; but some will steal you blind and say anything to get you to buy something. As an example; those amber pieces with bits of leaves and bugs – FAKE, FAKE, FAKE. Did you notice that they all have the same shape? Those pillow cases and mini throw pieces that have all the “local” stones and metal thread that are “hand sewn by Afghani women in a remote village – that takes weeks to make” are mass produced in INDIA. Those old collector coins are FAKE. The 18K gold is sometimes 18K plated silver (found out when I took a piece to my jeweler in the US – that is why I tell you to keep the receipts).

The prices at the Haji shops are 10% to 50% more expensive than they are in other locations in Afghanistan. I’ve been to all the big bases and many of the FOB’s, PRT’s and FSB’s. You can thank AAFES for some of the cost increase; they charge the vendors a fee for using AAFES space.

Never, ever pay the first price quoted. Cut the price in half and start there. You will always hear, “What price make you happy”? Here are some tips that will help you:
-Research the product you want to buy. Get on the internet and print off the price and product. Almost always, the internet price is less than the Haji price.
-Take a friend who speaks the language (Dari, generally). This will always help.
-DO NOT impulse buy. It is not the last one he has, it is not a ”special deal just for you, my friend”.
-Do not pay for part of it now and he will bring the finished product to you next week. He may not be here next week or the base may shut down the haji mart for a long time (it was several months the last time).
-If you think you want to send your new purchase home, check with customs first. That fur or uncut stone may not be allowed in the US. Now, what are you going to do with that new fur coat?
-Three out of 10 pirated DVD’s don’t work.
-The DVD package says “the entire season”, but it probably does not have the entire season.
-Do not expect quality craftsmanship on handmade products; this way, you will not be disappointed.
-Learn something about the gems you want BEFORE you buy them. Afghan stones should be cheaper, because you are in Afghanistan, but that is not always the case.
-That certificate of authenticity from Kabul, you get with your gem, is not worth much (found out the hard way). Be very careful when you get the “certificate”.