Tips To Haggle A Lower Price

Shopping — By Shopping Blogs on November 13, 2009 12:47 pm

In American culture, we tend to look at a price tag and believe it is the final price. This mindset is true for some items, like groceries, clothing and more. In many other cultures, the marketplace is buzzing with merchants and consumers bartering and bargaining. In fact, in some cultures, if you deny a merchant the sport of haggling the price, he may be offended.

While there is really no opportunity to haggle the cashier bagging your groceries, there is a bit of leeway when you are shopping at a venue such as a farmers market. There, you could bargain directly with the farmer about how much you should pay per pound or item. Of course, you must approach the subject with a light heart and be prepared to be turned down. After all, the farmer must contend with the grocery store that names a price and gets it. But, as they say, there is no harm in asking.

While we accept the price tag on most of the items we go shopping for, there are a few items that we

Here are a few items you should consider negotiable the next time you go shopping at a specialty or department store.

• Televisions – Instead of buying the newest model, try to get a lower price on last years model. The store will want to push these out of their stock and may be more willing to sell it than return it to the manufacturer or warehouse.
• Washers and Dryers – Once you make a list of functions you really must have, try to stick to those and no more. By avoiding getting caught up in the bells and whistles, you will be able to control your own expense. These items are also highly competitive, so go shopping around and ask the sales associate for free delivery, hookup or a discount for purchasing a set.
• Refrigerators – Look at the displays and ask if you can purchase the floor models. These refrigerators are frequently switched in and out of the display, so the store may be glad to let you buy one at a discounted rate. You should also look for open box items – items that have been returned or may have minor cosmetic damage. If you find one with a dent at the rear corner and it would be concealed or acceptable in your home, offer to pay about 15 percent less than what the store is asking and you will probably have yourself a deal.
• Electronic Accessories – These items have a tremendous markup between the actual cost to the company and retail value. If you have just purchased a new electronic, you will undoubtedly need a few cables, cords or bags for it. Bargain with the associate or manager for a free or discounted accessory to accompany your large purchase.
• Services or Labor – This number is usually made up by competitive market value. You can control the labor by asking the provider to bill by 10 minute segments rather than half and hour. Or you can agree to a maximum labor cost for your project, so the provider will be motivated to complete it in a timely manner.
• Furniture – Associates are usually commission-based and have room to lower the cost without even speaking to their manager. If you find an item you like, offer to pay about 20 percent less and see how well your offer is received.
• Jewelry – Try to go shopping at a Going Out Of Business sale or Inventory Sale and these usually slash prices for you, without any prompting on your part. However, if you find a piece that is not on sale, ask the jeweler what their best price is. You will be surprised how willing a sales associate is to take a few extra dollars off the price.

 

Even though you may have to go grocery shopping and pay the full price for a gallon of milk, there are many large ticket items that have a comfy profit margin and could be whittled down by ten or even twenty percent.

Consider that a grocer can name their price because the items they sell are essentials. However, luxuries do not have a constant demand and when it comes down to it, people can make do without them and go shopping for these items less often.

Pair this information with a tightened economy and all of the sudden, you are in a much better place to bargain his way to a lower price.

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