Haggling, Not Just for Flea Markets

Tory Johnson shares the secrets to cutting prices on your next mall trip.

ByABC News via logo
July 30, 2008, 2:36 PM

July 31, 2008 — -- I'm pretty solid with employment-related negotiating salary, benefits, responsibilities, title and more so my producers at "Good Morning America" decided to put my workplace skills to the retail test. Could I negotiate as effectively at the mall as in the office?

Most big retailers honor competitors' coupons and pricing for the same item. But what about just asking outright for a discount on new, full-price merchandise without having to open a credit card and without presenting coupons or ads?

First stop: The men's department at Macy's. I admit to being a bit nervous because I was empty-handed. Even though it was a mid-week morning, which is an ideal time since stores are pretty empty, I thought I'd be more convincing armed with lots of shopping bags.

Turns out, it didn't matter. After a few sales associates said they couldn't help me, I found a manager and asked directly if he'd offer me a discount on the full-price underwear I wanted to purchase. Yes, he said, and then extended a 20 percent discount even though I didn't have any kind of coupon.

When I shared that experience with a Macy's spokesperson, I received this statement: "Macy's, Inc., has a policy emphasizing integrity in pricing and promotions. We want our customers to understand that they can find good value in our stores. It is Macy's policy to not negotiate price with customers, a practice that we popularized in the late 1800's of offering merchandise at one price. However, as a customer service, managers are authorized to make accommodations for customers on a case-by-case basis under unusual circumstances such as damaged or incomplete merchandise."

The next department store I hit was JC Penney. I selected a bunch of full-price kids' clothing. When I asked the sales clerk if the items might go on sale soon and could I receive the savings now, she handed me the phone to speak with a manager. Approved: Another 20 percent savings!

A spokesperson for JC Penney told me, "We train all of our managers that if the customer's request is reasonable, take care of it." In this case, she said I was asking for a reasonable accommodation for a discount that either had already taken place or was likely to take place at some point in the future, so the manager had appropriate discretion to honor my request for a discount.

Before you ask for that discount, mentally prepare yourself: Are you ready to walk if the answer is no? If you're denied, are you willing to pay full price?

Tory Johnson is the Workplace Contributor on Good Morning America and the CEO of Women For Hire. Connect with her directly at www.womenforhire.com.