Just call me The Haggler.
For most of my life, I've been a pretty horrible at bargaining and asking for price reductions...I'm not a rock-the-boat sort of person, and I'm not very bold either, which means I'm usually stuck just paying the asking price whenever I buy something. However, after reading posts on other frugal blogs about bargaining, I've screwed up the courage to ask for a lower price several times.
My husband and I bought this clock last month(you may have noticed it in the furniture pictures). I've been really wanting one to go over my piano for a while, and we found one on a good sale. When we got to checkout, though, I noticed that the inside of the frame was a little bent. It wasn't terribly noticeable, and it was the only one they had, so I asked if they would mark it down, and sure enough, they took 15% off! Yay!
Then when I was buying the matching nightstands from Goodwill, I noticed that the drawer on one of them wasn't working all that well. I was pretty sure I could fix the problem, but I showed the employee and asked if there was any way he could reduce the price. Without any argument he gave me $5 off! So, I only paid $15 for that nightstand(and I had a 10% off coupon for the other one, so I paid $15 for one and $18 for the other).
Finally, last week, I was at Goodwill and found a dress I liked. It's a Charlotte Russe brand and it was marked at $6.50. However, a small bit of the neck seam was coming apart just a bit(an easy fix), and so when I went to check out, I screwed up the courage to ask if they would take $5 for it. Lo and behold, they did!
I actually wore it with black tights and boots(it looks better that way, I think), but I forgot to take a picture with those on.
So, who knew? I'm braver than I thought. Wonders never cease.
I think you mean "haggle".
"Barter" is trading goods.
Cute dress.
Ooh, you're right! I fixed it. :p
Great story! I'm also not much of a haggler - but your post is very inspiring.
I did just have a great success story with a neighbor that speaks to me working up some courage: my parents wanted to get my son an outdoor play set, but I balked at the huge price for one new. (I can't even spend other people's money!)
I remembered that some of our neighbors have a play set, but their kids are mostly grown and I couldn't remember the last time I saw them on it (in 10 years). So I called them up and asked if I could buy it from them - they said they would be happy to give it to me for free if I'd haul it away.
A win-win for everyone!
I have never haggled either! I never know when it's appropriate. Perfect example, my father (the haggle master!) suggested when we were ring shopping, to haggle them to get a better deal. I didn't think it was appropriate, I figured, the listed price IS the price. I should give this haggling a try sometime, maybe I could walk away with some good deals too!
Kristen-
I love the $5 dress! It looks great- and would definitely be cute with tights and boots. What a find.
I learned to love haggling while living in Sudan for a while. There you haggle for everything, even food! I got ripped off most of the time, but I usually came away thinking I got a pretty good price! 🙂 It's a pity The West is so unaccustomed to haggling. Sometimes I try it (recently at a secondhand furniture dealer) and got a bit of a telling off. Ha.
What a timely column. I went Goodwill shopping with my mother today, and bought a pair of Keen brand sandals today for my 13-year-old-son. They were marked $9.99, but had a bit coming apart that would be an easy fix with some glue. Since these shoes cost $99 new, and used sandals are hard to find for a teenage boy I decided I wanted them. When I got to the register I pointed out the flaw and asked if there was "any wiggle room in the price?" A manager came and took a look and lowered the price $2. She explained that these would normally be more higher, and that the $9.99 was already a lowered price.
My son now has a great pair of summer sandals for only $7.99, and the best part is that they fit me! He can now wear them this summer, and then I'll wear them afterwards. (Hand-me-ups!)
I'll often ask for price reductions when shopping, and I'm rarely turned down. They key is to just be super polite and not do it when there's a huge line of people behind you.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
The Non-Consumer Advocate
FG, I've always been hesitant to haggle at a regular store, so I was very surprised when I got a reduction on the clock. It was at Kohl's and the cashier had the authority to mark it down...she didn't even have to ask a manager.
Katy, I will remember that phrase...."any wiggle room?" Happily, my Goodwill has a ton of employees, so hopefully they won't get too familiar with me and my haggling. lol
Stacey-that's awesome! Free always rocks. 🙂
Don't just haggle on the small stuff, go for the big stuff as well. I know you guys don't have cable or anything but I was able to get about $30 a month off my cable bill for calling and threatening to cancel. I would do it with my Cell phone but I'm already getting that as cheap as can be ($38 a month after company discount and selling my new phone and reactivating the old one.)
This reminds me I need to hit up Goodwill again. The ones around me have been universally terrible lately. At least garage sale time is coming up soon! My last major finds from a GW were a desk lamp and a Griswold cast iron skillet. I'm thinking of selling the latter, though.
Great Post!
I learned how to ask "is this the best price?" when shopping at antique shows or yard sales, but I haven't tried it in a retail stores except on floor models; now I'll be more assertive about other stuff too.
I called my phone company the other day and asked if they had any promotions that would apply to our account. I didn't threaten to cancel, I just told them that money was tight and I was trying to find some savings. She looked through her computer and after 10 minutes found a promo code that is saving us $15 a month, for the year. $180 just for asking. Yeah!
Thanks for sharing your experience (and very cute dress!)
Sharon
It helps if you can give them a reason to mark down: a flaw, a bulk deal, a good story (money is tight, can you help?). And has been said, be nice and wait till the clerk isn't hurried.
There are places where haggling is expected in the US: buying a house, buying a car, getting a loan, second-hand stores, garage sales. Sometimes you can get an edge by putting yourself in the seller's shoes: what would make him want to give you the discount? For example, at a farmers' market it could be that it's the end of the day and they don't wnat to haul away unsold food.