Learning to haggle is a skill that can save you money on everything from insurance to clothing. There are many places where buyers don’t believe that haggling is possible, but it is possible to haggle even in big chain stores.
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Difficulty:
Moderate
Instructions
1
Gauge who it is that must be haggled with. If you’re at a flea market or a mom-and-pop store, there will likely be one owner of the merchandise and only one person to haggle with. But at a larger store, a manager often has to be called in to authorize a lower price. Be proactive in asking for the person you need in order to get a lower price.
2
Suggest a lower price. At a flea market, with someone who has placed a classified at or at a thrift store, no reason is necessary. Simply tell whoever is in charge that you will buy the item right away if the price is "X." If they try to give you a counteroffer, simply tell them that "X" is the amount you have and that’s all you can spend.
3
Offer a reason for the discount if you are attempting to haggle in a larger store. If a manager is to be called to give you a lower price, such as at a grocery store or a department store, you will need to have a reason for the manager to consider giving you a lower price. This can be damaged merchandise or an item being left over from the previous season. Even a small flaw might get you a discount, so check out the merchandise carefully.
4
Stick to your offered price. If you start backing down, the person you are haggling with may feel he has the upper hand. Confidence is the key to haggling. If the other party feels that you will certainly not buy the item unless the price is lowered, you have an edge and are more likely to get the price you want.
5
Ask the salesperson to suggest a new price if they are refusing to meet your price. If a salesperson is simply not willing to let a customer dictate a new price, they may be more inclined to discount it if they are the ones to choose the new price.
Tips & Warnings
Some stores will be more willing to haggle on the last day of the month. Commissioned salespeople may have a specific amount of merchandise to sell each month, and even a lowered price will help them meet that quota.
