Looking for a Cheaper Price - Haggle for the Best Deals

Haggling, bartering, wheeling and dealing, searching for a bargain, whatever you want to call it, has been in our vocabulary since the first completed sale agreement took place between two people. Most of us never consider an option available to every shopper browsing the latest fashions of dresses, jeans or shoes, all lined up in a row or hanging neatly on racks in our favorite stores. Travel packages for a dream vacation or a mulching account for your lawn and garden. The cost for that soft coral blouse that brings out the twinkle in your eyes is printed on the price tag attached to the collar. Is it hard and fast, or can you haggle for a better buy? With the right kind of wheeling and dealing, you could walk out the door with a bargain in your hand and a smile on your face.

The art of haggling.

The act of haggling does not require arguing. You want a calm discussion when negotiating a possible discount or savings. Most of us expect haggling when buying a new car or home, but how about lower priced, everyday items we buy. Anyone can learn how to haggle for a descent bargain and pick up a discount if you understand negotiating for a better value is nothing to be embarrassed about. Savvy shoppers will assure you, saving money, especially in today's economy, benefits both you and the business you are dealing with. Look at it this way, every seller has a bottom line. Their intent is to make a profit and they need to move inventory out the door. Business owners have to make a living, too, but if you know how to go about it, you can turn retail into cash savings for you and a sale for them.

Haggling should allow for something in return.

You won't always be able to snag that discount and it's important to understand your need to sweeten the pot for the business and make it worth their time to bargain. What's in it for them if they give you a discount on a particular item or service. Word of mouth recommendations from you, buy two for one, agree to give them more business, sign up for an extended maintenance contract, return hangers to your dry cleaners. Credit cards companies charge transaction fees to a business for each credit card purchase. Offer to pay cash instead of using a credit card. Ask for free shipping for online purchases. Be open and flexible in your deal making process. Your job is to convince them why they should give you a bargain and their job is to get something in return if they agree to your request for a deal.

Haggling requires homework.

First of all, stand your ground with your best poker face. Be prepared to walk away and be fair when discussing a discount. Know what a fair price is for the item or service you are inquiring about. Maintain a reasonable, polite and interactive attitude with the person you are dealing with. Haggling is somewhat of a bluffing game. Allow your opponent to join in by being respectful, fair and engaging. Give them a reason to consider your request for a discount and you have a good chance of turning a retail purchase into a bargain. Make your offer and wait silently. Be patient and respectful and know when to keep your mouth closed. Silence is your friend. The longer you remain quiet, the more likely your offer will be accepted.

Haggling works when you compare and know prices.

Know the retail value in your area. Competition is a given and stores are willing to match the cost of one of their rivals if you ask. You may be able to get a better deal if you reject an offer from them to only match the price. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount and stand firm. One thing to remember. When haggling, never offer someone a deal on something you really want unless you can walk away from it with no regrets. Of course you can always return later and purchase the item at the retail cost if you want it bad enough. After all, you do have a right to change your mind. You will win some and lose some. That's the nature of the game of haggling.

Haggling should only be done with those who can make decisions on giving discounts.

You want to do your deal making on a weekday when business is slow. Remember, the person at the cash register is not your target. You need to talk to a supervisor or whoever the person is who has the authority to make decisions concerning discounts. While you are working a deal, never do so where other customers can hear your discussion. You don't want to create a flood of requests for discounts after you leave. This is a negotiated deal only between you and the store.

If your item is mis marked, you do have the right to expect that amount to be honored. If what you want isn't on sale, ask when the next one will be. The persistent buyer may get that item for the sale price right on the spot. Don't be afraid to point out scratches or flaws you discover on a possible purchase item. You should always asked for a discount on damaged goods.

Haggling is a process of buying and selling goods and services. Stores need to sell in order to stay in business and we need to buy to keep our economy strong. Trying to get a deal on a car has always been a game between the salesperson and the buyer. However, deals and discounts can be had for most any product or service from your next doctor visit to that left over Easter candy at your local discount store. All you have to do is ask the right person. What's the worse that can happen? No deal; maybe, but it could be a great deal. You will never know until you try.

Tom Chiarella, Haggling for Hot Dogs, Esquire

Marc Myers, Haggle Like a Pro: 5 Lines That Work, Reader's Digest.com

Kelli Grant and Jenn Eaker, The Art of Haggling, CBSNews.com