In tough economic times, shoppers take haggling to new heights

WP ^ | 01/31/10 | Michael S. Rosenwald

[TigerLikesRooster]

In tough economic times, shoppers take haggling to new heights

By Michael S. Rosenwald

Sunday, January 31, 2010; B01

The price tag on the smooth pair of Cole Haan loafers at Macy's said $148. I considered that a fair opening bid. Standing across from the salesman and the cash register, I said, "Can you knock off 25 percent?"

The salesman said, "Can't do it." But I pressed on: "I'll get them on the Internet or at one of your competitors, so let's just do this here."

Salesman: "Geez. You're like the second person who has tried to do this today."

/snip

A recent Consumer Reports study found that 66 percent of American consumers had haggled at least once in the preceding six months, with an 88 percent ka-ching rate on gadgets, clothes, furniture and steak. "People like this," Koehn said. "They are not going to go back to giving their money away. Why would they?"

The recession merely popped the lid off a retailing shift that has been brewing for a decade. EBay gave millions of consumers dealmaking training wheels (top bid for a "Goonies" DVD: $3.50). The Internet offers instant pricing data (do a Google search on "Lucky jeans and deal and DC"). And don't forget Priceline, which lets consumers name their price for flights, hotels and rental cars (thank you, William Shatner).

[glorgau]

The old curse: May you pay retail.

[goldstategop]

Only suckers pay full retail. Talk to customer service. They can get you a deal and help you save money. In tough times, they need to hold onto all the customers they can get.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find only things evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelogus

[Outlaw Woman]

Well that’s all well and good but consignment shops are really goldmines. They have the ‘Macy’ castoffs and some the clothing looks like it’s never been worn. I bought 2 beautiful blouses this past summer for a grand total of $1.50.

Forget haggling.

[tubebender]

You want to talk about bargains? I just bought 9 Penny Postcards on eBay for $228.56 (includes shipping of course)...

[sergeantdave]

Bought a set of high-end, fancy-pants name-brand towels and washclothes at the local flea market for $4. No haggling involved. The man was happy to get four bucks and I was happy to pay him - the American way.

[Sacajaweau]

I found the manager at the end of my line. Figured God put him there. Asked him about a senior discount....even though it wasn’t senior day...he gave it to me. Made an old lady happy!!

[Rodamala]

"You can't argue with The Big Deal!"