Comments on: How to Bargain and Haggle...Getting What You Want, Cheap.

on 5/14/2008 I just got a military issue helmet for $35 form a pawn shop. It was marked $50 and I offered him $30. we settled at $35 cash, including tax. I had to smile, since I was already willing to spend the $50 if need be. Remember in a bad economy, shopkeepers are more likely to bargain.

on 5/14/2008 You're right that this takes real nerve. The first time I traveled to Asia, I went to buy a scarf and after the shopkeeper told me the price, she said, "But that's just the starting point. Now you make an offer and we bargain." I guess she could see I was nervous to haggle. Do you do this everywhere you shop?

on 5/14/2008 I like to get good deals, but when I worked in retail, a cold chill came over me when a haggler came into the store. Brrrr.

on 4/21/2008 Good question, chava812. Of course, it's not *only( about haggling. Sometimes you just need (or want) something, and you know the price is pretty good, and it's time to buy it. No more looking around for a cheaper price (even though it may be out there).

on 4/21/2008 i feel richer already!

on 4/20/2008 What if the geeks are telling you - it's already on sale and we can't give you any more off - managers included, and they seem to be extremely helpful otherwise - do you believe it or walk? What if you know their sale price (with rebates) is already beating all other deals that week? Is it better to walk to the other stores first and see if they will beat the price, then go back to the first store for a match/beat again? How much time (and now gas money) do you invest per dollar? This topic has long interested me; thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!!!