As foot traffic declines in many stores and your wallet feels lighter, could it be time for a return to haggling?
Determined to give it a shot, when and where might it work?
How to learn the craft, the art of haggling?
Tanya Gold asks Still paying full price for high-street goods?
she says "then you're a mug! With the recession biting hard, shoppers can name
their price – if they don't die of embarrassment first" in The Guardian (November 24) and reports on her experience.
A broader view, useful for travelers can be found in The Fine Art of Haggling (Reids Guides) which first states that after soccer, bargaining is truly the most popular non-contact sport around the world.
Besides the money aspect, one thing we forget is that it is a way to interact with local people when abroad and part of the culture.
Jane Hanson in The art of haggling is about forming connections (China Daily, July 2008) shares her experience in China.
In any country, street fairs and street vendors are a good place to practice your skills.
Reids Guides also reminds us that "anywhere in Latin America, Africa, or Asia, haggling is expected
everywhere but in the most Western-style shops."
There is consensus that in most cases food is a no go area as far as haggling is concerned.
Don't try to haggle while shopping for your Thanksgiving feast.
File under Consumed to Thrifty
More savings tips: Farecompare.com, 11 Month Forecast, No Bull Except for the Pop Ups