Most people think that bargaining is dead in our price tagged society and that is totally wrong. Yes, I wouldn’t try and bargain at the grocery store since saying “Yes I know this can of peas is 75 cents, but would you take 50 cents?” makes you sound crazy or cheap. However telling the guy at the electronics store “This TV is $750 but I can only really afford $600…?”, is different. If I sound crazy or cheap that is fine, he might say yes and the worst he can do is say no.
Now there are rules at least in my mind, if it is a big chain store and the people aren’t on commission go for blood. If it is a little mom and pop store then let them make some money that is just neighborly. You must be nice, and it will take a bit of time to get them to like you enough, so if you think you can be in and out in 20 minutes plan on an hour. However, unless you make $200+ an hour, spending a little extra time to save that much money is well worth it. What do I mean by be nice? Talk to them; make them feel important, it is hard to explain but you will know it when you see it. Offer them a deal, if they give you the discount, you will spend part of the money you saved on accessories. Yes, it eats up your savings but if it is stuff you needed anyways…? Last is it somewhat risky to come out and ask for a deal, word the request such that is their idea. Such as “I want this TV (the $750 price is understood) and these accessories (the $250 price is understood), but I only have $750, well I guess I can wait or maybe I can find the accessories online or something, hmmm.” Salesman thinks (“Well the markup is 75% and I would hate to lose the business…”) so the salesman says “Well if I give you a 25% discount on everything then you can buy it all now…” This way everyone wins(ish).
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