How to Haggle Prices

By eHow Personal Finance Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

Haggling over a price can be a fun way to get the best deal on something you want. Follow some simple guidelines, and you can ease the strain on your wallet during your next shopping trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Find a "haggle friendly" environment, such as a flea market, garage sale or craft fair. Major retailers and online commerce sites aren't the best places to try to negotiate prices.
Step2
Select the item you want and determine the maximum price you are willing to pay for it.
Step3
Start by offering 40 percent to 50 percent less than your maximum price.
Step4
Respond to counteroffers from the merchant by increasing your offer in small increments until you reach your maximum price.

Tips & Warnings

  • The closer it gets to the time for the market or festival to close, the more merchants will be open to haggling.
  • Make sure you know the item's fair market value before you start your negotiations, or you could wind up paying more than the item is actually worth.
  • If the merchant won't come down to your maximum price, don't hesitate to walk away from the deal. Chances are, if you're anywhere in the ballpark of what he or she wants for the item, he or she won't let you - or your money - get away.
  • Although major department stores and online commerce sites usually don't have the flexibility to negotiate prices, you may want to give haggling a try in those venues, especially if there is an obvious flaw in the product.
  • Try not to let the excitement of haggling overpower your better judgment and lead you to exceed your maximum price.

Comments

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AbbyNormal

AbbyNormal said

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on 6/10/2008 I really don't haggle. I will ask nicely if I can get a discount on a more expensive item if it is out of my range. I shop antiques, not flea markets. Just be nice! Everyone is trying to make a living. Have respect!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Even when shopping online it is still possible to haggle if you pick up the phone or email. Small to medium sized e-tailers are more likely to haggle.
Join a haggling community (they do exist) where people help each other to find and haggle better deals.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/11/2006 Even when shopping online, it is still possible to haggle if you pick up the phone or send an e-mail.
Small to medium sized E-tailers are more likely to haggle.
Join a haggling community (they do exist) where people help each other find and haggle better deals.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 12/30/2005 You could always point out (if it is the case) that: "This is the first time of probably many more future transactions. So as a goodwill gesture could you consider a discount please?" It worked for me once!!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 While trying to bring a vendor down to your price, remind them of any flaws the product might have and try to persuade them by saying things like "if I were you I'd take it", and at the same time show them that amount in cash. This will persuade the vendor into believing it's a good deal.

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eHow Article: How to Haggle Prices

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