In these tough economic times, everyone is looking to save a dollar. Take shopping for example, it used to be only at flea markets or maybe an antique shop that you might be able to make a sticker price drop.
But not anymore, we have tips to show you how to haggle anywhere.
You can find almost anything At The Warehouse in Albany. There are old typewriters, pieces of crystal, and antique lighting. The best bit? The prices are negotiable.
Fred Shapiro of Silver Fox Salvage, At the Warehouse says, "its a game. Its like they are a winner or a loser in their mind."
Shapiro's days are filled with building unique pieces, and haggling. Customers are always looking to dicker down the sticker price. Shapiro says, "there is the I'll think about it, which means no, or the walk away disinterested approach. Then there is the persistent person."
Its all about saving some cash. It wasn't that long ago that stores like At The Warehouse, were the only places you could haggle. But not these days.
At Earl B. Feiden in Latham, that sticker price isn't necessarily stuck. General Manager Brian Snyder says, "our stickers always have room for negotiations. We also have instant sales, manager specials and room for discount to help people out."
So what are the tricks of the trade? Do your research. Make sure you know the product and the general price. Snyder says, "customers sometimes are smarter than the salesperson. They know what a comparable deal is to make sure they are getting what they want for their money."
To get more bang for your buck, ask for any extras the store might throw in. Snyder says, "there are always extras, whether its detergent, pigtails for the dryer, vent hose, an extra service, anything that gives value, we try to do that."
And most importantly, don't be afraid to ask. Most stores want to work with you, and some even enjoy the bartering. Shapiro says, "its part of the game. Its enjoyment, its an interaction.
For more information on Silver Fox Salvage At The Warehouse, visit www.albanyflea.com and www.silverfoxsalvage.com
Consumer Reports also offers a site on How To Haggle, visit www.consumerreports.org and search "how to haggle".
