The Dhaka International Trade Fair is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells, a sensory overload that promises something for everyone. People of varied economic class, marital status, or tastes visit once in a lifetime. From Turkish lamps to Kashmiri shawls, potato choppers to pressure cookers, the sheer variety can be overwhelming, especially when coupled with the temptation of 'special fair deals.'
But before you get swept away in the excitement, a word of caution: navigating the fair efficiently requires mindful spending. What if you have a thousand taka or a bit more and visit the Dhaka International Trade Fair 2024? Will you spend it on food? Or buy clothes, or will you look for deals? This article will tell you about the expenditures you can make at the trade fair from the perspective of personal experience.
Food might be a costly affair
While indulging in street food is a quintessential fair experience, be prepared for sticker shock. Fuchka, Chotpoti, Tehari, or Morog Polaw can cost 4-5 times their regular price, as Tarana Afroza discovered in 2022. Her experience serves as a cautionary tale as she said, "A simple Tehari for four people set me back a whopping 1000 taka. The same goes for drinks." Tarana Afroza is an office associate in a dental clinic. She believes that unless your priority is to have food irrespective of their prices, only then go for it. Again, thousands of restaurants around Dhaka can serve much better foods in that price range.
Prioritise needs over impulse buys
Suday Saha, a businessman, offers a two-pronged approach to spending: buy what you truly love without hesitation but prioritise value and necessity for practical purchases. In that case, you have to channel your money.
"If you go to a trade fair, it might be useful to buy something that you cannot buy at a regular price. You might use your money where you can find good deals while necessary for your household items."
However, some people need to buy heavy-weighted items. Suday Saha has some tips for them: "Again, many people like to roam around the trade fair, so roaming is tiring. If you buy anything heavy, I suggest buying it at the end of your trip, or you should avoid it." He also tips to focus on items not at regular prices, like unique household tools or discounted appliances.
Shamima Begum, a housewife, echoes this sentiment, recommending cutting vegetable machines and other time-saving tools as wise investments. She said, "I have to do a lot of work simultaneously, especially in cooking. So, the trade fair offers us a variety of household machinery that are useful in many ways. They can spend on these; it's worth it."
Auntu Das, a banker, adds blenders, coffee makers, and water purifiers to the list, highlighting 'offer' deals as particularly attractive.
Planning for convenience and comfort
While exploring the dusty and busy fair is tiresome to many people, the same can be a part of fun for the newlywed. Sadia Afrin and Arib Hasan are couples who think trade fare would also be tiresome but a romantic experience.
"I love the Kashmiri Shawls. The previous year I went there but could not buy it. I thought the price was pretty high, but then I checked in other markets, and usually, those are even higher. So, this time, I think I will buy shawls and cosmetics if they are good quality,"
Sadia's husband, Arib, wants to buy her some jewellery and perfume, but Sadia refuses as she can buy these from even Newmarket at a cheaper rate.
Arib Hasan shared, "We will buy some bedsheets and Cushions. I love to decorate my house and make it always look well-prepared. So I would like to spend on that, and I can also buy them reasonably. The last time I spent money on blazers and sweaters, they didn't go well with me. However, I heard from my friends that they are good though."
Tailoring your experience to your needs
Ms. Saiyada Tasmin, an undergrad, finds biscuit deals and buy-one-get-one offers at the fair irresistible. She said, "Trade fair is a good deal for biscuit items. You will get varieties of biscuits at a cheaper rate with a deal like buy two get one or buy one get one. Even if it costs a thousand or more, all are worth it because you store them for weeks or months according to the need. Also, clothes can be a great deal, and fashion brands give offers. Money can be spent on those as well."
Managing finances and spending money wisely is a skill. Trade fair is an opportunity for sellers and buyers not to go against any product or taste but instead according to priorities.
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