I just listened to a fascinating Marketplace report about a new way of getting the best prices for everything from construction supplies to chicken feet in China — group shopping. Haggling has always been a big part of Chinese commerce, but group shopping takes it to a new level and allows the consumers to bypass the stores and go directly to the suppliers. Check out this video from one of these group shopping outings. Looks pretty intense, to say the least.

Group shopping tuangou from Marketplace on Vimeo.