Talk to Clark 1-4pm ET: (877) 87-CLARK or (404) 872-0750
advertisement
Looking for something on the site? Search for it here! Also see Clark's Greatest Hits
Apr 17, 2008 -- Can you haggle in a chain store?
Years ago, Clark recalls getting a unique call from a man who explained how he haggled at Wal-Mart. Haggling at a chain store that's already turbo cheap? It turns out that idea is now in vogue. America's Research Group reports that two-thirds of Americans say they've haggled in a store during the last 90 days. The Los Angeles Times reports that some chain stores have now given floor employees the authority to accept lower prices, especially on electronics. Many retailers also have matching policies where you can show them a competitor's ad and get the lower price. Clark's not sure if he thinks of that as bargaining. Do you have a great haggling story? Let us know with our new commenting feature!
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
I went to Bernies looking for an electronic range. I haggled with them for a while, they sweetened their deal a little, but not enough to satisfy me. So I told him I was going to Home Depot to buy it. Went to Home Depot, found the same range that was at Bernies. It was priced a little higher, so I told him about Bernies price. He called Bernies to confirm what I was saying was the truth. Once confirmed he then beat their price. So easy to do.
Nothing at staples
I'm an anonymous staples employee and i can give some insight on haggling at staples. The way staples POS terminals work, we cannot just change prices, it simply will not let us. An example, a sale runs through saturday, a coupon comes into effect that sunday. No matter what, we cannot combine the deals, even though we would like to. The only prices that we can change is if it is to a previous price within the last 30 days, and then its just if the shelf price hasnt been changed yet and even then the POS terminal is tied to Staples @ Work which knows the last shelf price tag printed. As for Target, my buddy who works there can change prices on anything under 20$ as long as you tell him it is what the shelf says and it is not a 'static priced item' like dvd's or CD's.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jesterbuddy@gmail.com
PS your captcha "fill in the squiggly letters" thing is crap. its taken me 6 times.
Haggling at a big chain store
Dear Clark, Yes, you can haggle in a big chain store. I was in the market for a new freezer. I had a chest freezer but wanted to upgrade to a 25 ft upright. I pitted HH Gregg against Brandsmart. Neither one wanted to lose the deal. HH Gregg is closer, but Brandsmart was cheaper. In the end, HH Gregg matched the Brandsmart price.....on a better freezer. I was there with cash and a truck to cart it off that very moment. I got a freezer that was originally $698 for $498 (tax included). So yes, just like when you go to purchase a car....that price on thte windshield is for them...not for you. thanks clark.
Haggling at Brandsmart
A couple of years ago at the Grand Opening of the Kennesaw Brandsmart, we got the salesguy to bring the price down from the posted 4200 to 3600! I have other people that have haggeled there on big price tag stuff
No haggling just ask!
We went to Lowe's and the frig we wanted was on sale at Sears at a lower price. Lowe's matched that price and then gave us 10% off. It is their policy anyway. It was an very good deal!
New Washing Machine
I went into Home Depot recently to buy a new washer and dryer. I did all my research and knew what I wanted. When i got there they didn't have the washer I wanted available in gas anymore. They had an electric model with the gas price listed on the floor, they just hadn't taken it down yet. So I started looking at other models. I found one that was comparable, but $100 more. I asked the guy if he could discount it that $100 since they didn't have the one I had originally wanted. He got it done! I also got an additional 10% because of the current appliance special. ALSO, when you use your Home Depot card you get 6 months no interest. I got the guy to call into the bank and make it 12 months!!!!
Haggling Car Repair
I recently needed ABS brake work on one of our old clunkers. Took the car to a small neighborhood shop. They wanted $570 to fix it. I asked, "What's your cash price?" Response, "No cash price... we want your business... how about $480?" Saved $90! I "haggle" a lot... If you don't ask ya never know... what's the worse they will say? No?
small business owner
CLARK,I VISIT YOUR WEBDITE EVERYDAY I DONT MISS A DAY OF INFORMATION POSTED ON YOUR WEBSITE.MY BUSINESS DEALS GO ACCORDING TO WHAT IS POSTED DAILY. OURS IS SMAILL INDIAN GROCERRY STORE , OUR CUSTOMERS ALWAYS HAGGLE ABOUT PRICES ,THEY DONOT UNDERSTAND WE ARE IN PENNY AND NICKLE BUSINESS .THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS IS VERY HIGH ,ITS HARD TO BREAK EVEN .BUT WE TRY MAKE SURE WE NEGOTIATE WITH THE CUSTOMER ON PRICES . SO I READ THE ARTICLE ABOUT WALMART,AND ITS ALL ABOUT SUPPLY AND DEMAND . THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT WORK YOU DO IN INFORMING SMALL BUSINESS AND CONSUMERS THANK YOU AGAIN .
