How do you talk a salesperson down on a price?

Question

When purchasing an item that is priced the same at all stores (ex. a guitar or computer), what is the best way to haggle with a salesperson to get them to lower the price or to throw in free items? Is it even possible?

Answer 1

It is possible. Most salesmen work on comission. If you don't buy they don't get paid. Ask what the best deal that they can do and then say well the store across town or down the street offered me a better deal so you'll have to go there. They will usually go lower or throw in a few extras.

Answer 2

Some stores have price checks, but if it's priced the same everywhere you might have a problem. I know I work at Best Buy selling computers and people are always asking me if I can't lower the price a little.

Retail store clerks have no ability to lower price. People on commission might lower price if you say something like "I dunno, it seems awful expensive, maybe if it was 120 instead of 125."

If they aren't going to, don't push it. Nothing is more annoying than a customer who thinks they're special and don't have to pay like the other people.