Haggle Economy: Buyers Strike Back
Millions have lost their jobs, trillions of dollars of wealth has vanished. The silver lining: You can get a discount.
When Daniel Bowen, a financial executive in Dallas, started haggling for lower prices a few years ago, he was so nervous he would get knots in his stomach, the way he used to when asking a girl for a date. But now, as he sits in a chair he bought for two-thirds off, near a desk lamp he got for half price, reminiscing about the time he got a 10% discount at a running shoe store by pointing out he was a loyal customer, he reflects on how his old fears seem silly.
“I’m amazed at what people will do if you just ask,” says Bowen, 23. “And it’s addictive.”
According to America’s Research Group in Charleston, S.C., 72% of Americans have negotiated for lower prices recently, up from a third five years ago. One reason: In this lousy economy, it works. Of those who have tried to whittle prices down, 80% say they’ve succeeded. They’re not just dickering at car lots and flea markets.
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