Haggling in a department store?

[chicagodisneyfan]

Lot of mis-information on this thread.

I have successfully haggled at department stores - including Bloomingdales just last Friday. I was purchasing about $2,000 in Abyss bath towels and asked if I could have an additional discount since I was purchasing such quantity. They said sure and I was given another 10% off at checkout.

Macy's has given me an additional percentage off on mattress sets before as well.

Furniture, sheets, towels, etc I have been successful on negotiating a better price.

 

[aristocatz]

I can't imagine saying, "Is this the best you can do? How about taking 20% off and throw in a lamp?"

THAT is something my dad would do!!

 

[Northstar]

I don't actually haggle, because I am really, really bad at it, but I have learned that it pays to ask anytime you have sales associates coming up to you and asking, "May I help you?" That's usually a sign that they get a commission, if only a small one.

Here's the non-hagglers' guide to getting a little discount: Ask "is this price firm?" Follow up with: "Is there any chance this will be going on sale soon?"

If the answer is NO, sigh sadly and say, "I would buy it right now, today, for $( a price that's 10% off)." Obviously, don't say this if you're not yet ready to buy.

At my local Sears, this works almost 100% of the time for any furniture or large appliances. Other stores, sometimes yes, sometimes no.

 

[indygirl99]

I find my local Macy's is the easiest place to get things at an addition percentage off and I find my biggest deals on stuff that is already marked on sale.

I am 90% successful at getting big ticket items at 75% off original price. Got the bedroom set at 75% off and the living room set at 60% off.

I even get markdowns on clothes. The trick is to go when the store first opens in the middle of the week when it is pretty dead and open your mouth and ask. AND be prepared to walk away if they say no.