Shop and Make a Deal: Haggle for Lower Prices

March 26, 2009— -- The new mantra for this recession is: Let's make deal.

Everything is negotiable these days, whether it's the cable bill, cell phone, rent, a new refrigerator or even that visit to the doctor's office. Stores that once refused to budge on price now are more likely to quietly cut their prices thanks to slumping sales.

Researchers say that more people than ever before are trying -- and succeeding -- at haggling for price reductions.

The key is: Don't be afraid to ask. You might be pleasantly surprised.

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"The rules have changed," said Sue Perry, deputy editor of ShopSmart, which is published by Consumer Reports. "The economy, as we all know, had a downturn and retailers are hurting and consumers are hurting."

Haggling for a Christmas tree or at a flea market is expected, she said. But never before was it commonplace in regular stores.

"The minute the economy starts getting better, retailers aren't going to be so hot, probably, to negotiate," Perry said. "But right now, it's better to have a customer in the store haggling for a better price than five in the parking lot."

The best deal comes, she said, if you notice a slight imperfection that you can live with, say a shirt with a tiny sewing mistake or missing button or a piece of furniture with a small nick. Perry also suggested being friendly with the salespeople and asking if they have any coupons. There might also be a discount for paying in cash.

"Always ask," Perry said. "The worst you can hear is 'no.' But these days, the stores are more willing to be lenient and work with you. If you don't ask, you could be kicking yourself."

As recently as the first week of March, some 72.4 percent of shoppers surveyed said they had tried negotiating a price at "a retail store excluding car dealerships" in the past three to four months, according to a report by the consumer research firm America's Research Group.

That figure is about the same it was around Christmas 2008, but up 16.4 percent from December 2007.

Ten years ago, only 32 percent of the 1,000 shoppers surveyed nationwide said they were comfortable haggling.