Hi all!

I posted yesterday for the first time, but now I have the requested pictures. I'll post a second run in a minute.

This rug is 6x9 ft, silk on silk, I count about 25x25 knots, but at the store they tell me that the actual count is twice that, for some reason I don't understand. I had them perform the burn test, and it behaved as your site says it should, balling up and smelling like burnt hair. They are asking about $6150 after the first bit of negotiating, which I think is far too high. What does everyone think?

Thanks!

Hi,

I hope everyone who is expert on this site is fast asleep. I know nothing which is why I am awake. lol I think the rug is splendid. ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID!!!! Verging on To Die For.

But I also think, just based on what I have learned lately here re silk on silk rugs.....they are asking too much for it. WAAAY too much. But I could be wrong.

that is very high KNSI. I can't do the actual firguring but just eyeballing says very high. But important to find out exactly given it impacts value.

What I would do were I you, while waiting for the experts here, is what I did other day for another member in love with a silk rug; he IS in India at the moment. Google hand knotted silk Indian rugs. Among the hyperlinks which I suggest you explore each of anyhow, including those from ebay, you will find the manufacturers of these rugs in India. Most sell them directly. Look thru their inventories, their data and their prices. It will educate you hugely.

Wait for the experts. Where is this store? In LA? What part of LA? And how would you characterize the store? Who are they? Who comprises their clientele? What demographic to they cater to?

If I may ask this, entirely selfish of me, what kind of camera are you using? It is excellent.

FABULOUS RUG!!!!!

Ok I am too sleepless to be able to think. Ae there two guys now, posting here, both in India who have, almost simultaneously, become besotted by silk Indian rugs? WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF THIS HAPPENING?

The first thing I would do was find a "friend" who can either accompany you or negotiate on your behalf. I'd visit several stores, have the eprson go with me, and very casually let them know what I am interested in. Then have the person go back and negotiate and haggle and get some prices and take a few days for this courtship to rippen. I have a suspicion that the methods are similar to elsewhere in Asia and it's not just a walk in and buy. Unless it really is just a tourist trap in which case, why on earth deal with such a place unless you are on a tight time schedule and money is no object. I read one travel journal of a guy who spent years in Central Asia and he bought a lot of carpets. His initiation into the buying scene sounded much more involved and thoughtful than most people in the west spend on picking out a spouse. And the legitimate dealers in the East expect to be engaged this way or else they just assume you are a tourist and will charge through the roof because everyone knows all westerners are rich. I'd get a friend who could help me. Even if you deal with the tourist store you can get any price down. It's such an art, and if you don't have the time, you need a friend who knows the buying and haggling culture.

I think for this one KPSI is 500 or so. Stick to your guns, it's all an act they're playing. Tell them you've seen what's out there, and you have a strict budget. Don't let their paltry attempts at coming down 2k let you think they don't have more room. They do, and probably a lot more. One of the problems with this forum is we talk a lot about the value and not the meaning of a rug. My feeling is don't fall in love with it until it's yours, no matter how beautiful it is. This rug is very nice looking... I would shop around, and let them know. Again, I would stay in the area of your noted offer, but not much more. Sellers overseas see people as a game. They want you to stay engaged, but try the walk out-routine... and be willing not to come back. They have to know you're wise to BS and that you can take it or leave it.


Simply put, a rug needs to be seen in person to determine real "value" which even this can be subjective. There is a general market value for a rug of this type, knot count and fiber (provided it's real silk) etc.... BUT, if you're purchasing overseas, retail means nothing. If you purchased this in the states, chances are you could get it for way less than even 6k for that matter at a reputable place. However, you're not in the states, and you're not dealing with a store that will offer returns, etc. Again, stick to your guns, don't let their games phase you.

The rug estimator pro is accurate to some degree... but has not been programmed with EVERY rug and does not account for design, colors, etc. It's really for entertainment, and for the public to know there's more to rugs than KPSI and KPSI alone. Bottom line, presumably if a rug is purchased closer to the source with all sales final and higher risks involved, the rug should be WAY, WAY below a fair retail value. Unless you love the rug, don't even consider the first 4 counters they offer. They may go up and down and back and forth, but let them know you've had enough and be ready and willing to walk out at any time.

PS - if they offer you ANYTHING, do not accept - whether it be tea, water, etc. This is seen as an acceptance of what they're offering (more than just the gesture, but the rug and prices too), and you do not want to lead them on.

Anything they say about how great the rug is, brush it off. They'll try to romance it, but don't even play hard to get. That's a chase overseas sellers love. Act casual, and disinterested, like you can take it or leave it.