Tips and Advice on Haggling and Getting a Better Deal

I grew up visiting flea markets in the Dayton and Cincinnati area, and other flea markets scattered across the country. Every time we headed out on a family vacation, we knew that at some point we would come across a new flea market. When I turned 14 my dad became a flea market seller with his own booth and merchandise, and I naturally tagged along as his helper.

Now that I've been both a seller and a shopper, I've picked up some tips about haggling. It seems as though a number of people simply can't haggle. They are rude and impolite, and do little more than irritate the sellers. Not only will this stop you from finding good deals, but some dealers might even throw you out of their booth for arguing with them. The next time you head out to the flea market, or even a yard sale, try following some of these simple tips for haggling.

Be Polite.

I can't tell you the amount of people who have been fairly rude when requesting a better deal. I've been cussed at, insulted, and even called names. You should be polite when requesting a deal, and the seller will be more likely to haggle.

Do Not Compare.

You might be tempted to tell a dealer that you can find the same item cheaper at another flea market, or from a different seller. The only thing this will do is get you a "then go buy it from them" response. If you can get the same item cheaper from someone else, then go buy it there and don't their time, and yours.

Never Compare Their Merchandise to Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart is a megastore, but try to haggle with that store, and you won't get too far. If you suggest that you can get the same item or a similar item from Wal-Mart, then a dealer most likely won't haggle with you over their prices, and they probably won't believe you. If you can get an item cheaper at Wal-Mart, then go to Wal-Mart and buy it.

Start With a Reasonable Discount.

When an item is priced at $20, and you offer $10 or less, expect to get laughed out of their booth. A more reasonable offer might be $15. The seller will often take $17-18 for the item, but this gives you a little room to haggle so you both feel as though you have won. I've routinely had people offer me $2 for an item marked $10, and be unwilling to negotiate. Remember that the stuff people sell is stuff they have to pay for. They aren't willing to take a loss simply so you can get a great deal.

Know When to Walk Away.

Real life isn't like the movies, and that seller probably isn't going to chase you down with a better offer. Sellers are often savvy, and know when a person is bluffing. If you're going to walk away, then commit to it. You can always come back later if you want.

Always be Honest.

Most sellers have heard buyers say, "I only have $___ left" when trying to haggle, and in most cases this often turns out to be a lie. On numerous occasions I've had shoppers use this line when trying to secure a better deal, only to open a wallet full of cash. Most shoppers who use this line will often pay the price quoted too, which makes it hard for any seller to believe it.

Try Haggling When you Buy a Large Amount.

A seller is more likely to deal with the shopper who buys a number of things at one time. If you plan on spending $50-100 at one time, ask for 10-15% off when checking out. You'd be surprised at how many sellers are willing to make deals on larger purchases then smaller buys.

Draw Attention to the Flaws, but Know What you are Doing.

That antique saucer might have a $10 tag on it because of that small chip on the rim. You think this should qualify you for a better deal, but without the chip it might bring $75 or more. You can point out the flaws to the seller, but this can also backfire on you. The seller might feel put off or irritated at having their merchandise questioned, but it might also bring you a better deal.

As a seller I've sold thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, and I've probably purchased that much on my own, without buying a single item for its tag price. You can do the same thing if you haggle the right way by using some of these tips.