Comments on How to Haggle Prices

Look closely for any scratches, dents or any other defect you can find. Bring it to their attention and they will drop the price.

If you can help it, don't be the first to name a price for an item. Try to get the other person to give you a ballpark figure. Usually the first person to name a price in a negotiation loses the advantage.

Although haggling is expected, be prepared to purchase the item if you inquire about it. Otherwise, the vendor, especially a street vendor, feels disrespected once you show interest and then decide against purchasing it.

Take your cash and put various amounts in each pocket. If you pull out your entire bankroll all at once, the vendor will know to mine you for more of your bucks. The idea is to appear to not have enough so the item will be offered to you for less!

Walk through the market first and see who's doing business. Pick out the ones who are spending their time reading the paper. Chances are, if they are having a slow day, they will be more willing to meet your price.

You bid. The counteroffer is full or slightly less than full price. You increase your bid. His counter is slightly lower. Bid DOWN from your last. The counter is the same or higher. Shrug, turn and walk away, not looking back; walk until he calls you.

I discount more at the start of a show to cover expenses. If you "love" the item and are nice, I will go as far as I can. Don't say you can't afford it and pull out a wad of dough. That's the last time I'll cut for you.

Imply that you're going to "shop around." This frequently has dramatic results.

Don't let the seller know how much you really like it/want it/got to have it! That's giving him the advantage when it comes to haggling.

Take the time to learn the dialect, especially if you ARE chinese. Once, I managed to get a coke for about 1 RMB (12 cents, approximately) ^_^ It shows that you care, and they trust you more, and also, they think you're one of the locals and they can't trick you into paying more than an item is worth. Also, if you are a tourist, try not to wear too much fancy jewelry or stuff...It shows that you are rich and have lots of money.

One of the downfalls of many a bargain shopper is showing too much excitement upon discovering the item to be purchased. If the seller knows you really want it, he will "hold to his guns" on price because he knows how badly you want it. Be casual!

Haggling depends on the buying place also. If you go to Mainland China, you sometimes can buy the item at one third the stated selling price.

Offer to buy more then 1 of the same item if they drop the price. Instead of selling 1 item at $6 each, they may be happy to sell 2 or 3 of them at only $5 each instead. Most would rather make a sale of $15 for 3 items, instead of a $6 sale for 1 item.

Please ask first if something is really "flawed." In candlemaking, "flawed-looking" candles are all the rage. Be respectful in your inquiry, as a rude comment will get you nowhere. Most people will admit to a true flaw and be willing to sell cheaper.:)

Check to see if this person is there often. Chances are a regular may not haggle. I've been a flea market vendor and sold exotic birds. I had set prices and didn't haggle. If you didn't like my price, oh well, go buy it retail. Know your vendor!

Keep a smile on your face. Be friendly. Talk to the person as a human being not just someone who has something you want. Really listen. Do NOT insult the person OR the item. It is okay to show him any flaws. Do NOT whine. This is fun for both.

If a dealer has a collectible item that he identifies by something other than its common name, do not reveal the fact that you know much about it. In fact, when approaching a dealer, be vague about what you are inquiring about.

I own two thrift shops and I not only encourage my customers to haggle, but, in some cases, I even teach them how! We want to sell our merchandise. Be reasonable with your offer or you will offend the merchant. Good luck and have fun!

Haggling for too long will only frustrate vendors ... trust me! Chances are they'd rather spend their time on other potential cutomers. If you feel the conversation is getting too long, just say, "Here's my offer, take it or leave it "

I own a small shop where I sell professional-quality, American hand-crafted home accents. We spend thousands a year looking for, purchasing and presenting merchandise. Sick of the "can you do betters!" Go to flea markets!

With antiques and collectibles, be respectful of the quality of the merchandise. Ask for guidance - "I can't afford this price. Could you offer a discount, please?" Counteroffer the suggested price with an apology. You'll be amazed what being nice can do!

Always have cash with you. When making your final offer, get it out so they can see it. It's amazing how visual contact can "soften" a merchant's hard-bargain line. One more tip: The fewer people around you, the better your chances. Good luck.

My father lived in Hong Kong for years. Apparently you haggle everywhere you go, even in fine jewelry stores. I don't know about Europe, but in Asia it's expected.\t

Carry one large weatherproof bag with pockets to hold all of your supplies, including water, and there will be plenty of room to stash all of your finds! Keep valuables well hidden in your clothing pockets to avoid pickpockets.

Retail is not a tag sale. Typically we don't mind discounting damaged items, but we have limits. If a discount's offered, accept it. Arguing only makes it less likely for you to get what you want. We know what's repairable. Nice to us, we're nice to you.