[quote=AN]It’s the same reason why most people don’t know or want to barter for stuff. You can barter almost everywhere including department stores, yet most don’t. The smart shoppers will while the rest will pay market price…[/quote]
slight hijack re: bartering in America
I have bartered repeatedly and successfully in the past at several stores including the former Robinson-May, Macys and Lowes on discontinued household appls, furniture and rugs (usually imperfect and/or display pieces). Often I don’t get my price right away and am always willing to walk but not before leaving my name and number with the highest dept sales associate/mgr on duty. After the “clearance weekend” or whatever is over and it is still sitting there, the mgr will call me and make a deal. This process takes 3 days to two weeks and usually requires 3 visits, one to leave my name and number, the second to come in and pay my agreed upon price with the mgr, and the third with a truck to pick up the item.
I once had a store mgr call me after 9 months about a (US-made) Legacy Int’l soft-leather corner sectional (display) telling me that they would accept my earlier offer of $1400 if I was still interested. Retail was $4800. They had been authorized to remove it from the floor and were ready to deal and still had my number. They even threw in free delivery. Upon inspection, it was a little dusty, but perfect otherwise :=]
This strategy also works well if you already own a companion item and are looking to expand it. A few years ago I bought two solid oak dining chairs I just “happened” to run across for my (then discontinued) 7-pc solid oak pedestal set w/2 leaves (retail $1860), making it a 9 pc set (extras handy to have for holidays). I ending up paying $77 for both. What else would the store do with them??
Finds in last 12 mos include a 24″ x 48″ powder-finish bronze sofa table (ret. $179) with beveled glass top for $15 and an $85 heavy bronze candelabra (for the table) for $6. These were from retail stores, NOT garage sales.
San Diego is NOT Tijuana but nonetheless, we are living in a free country and nothing is ever set in stone. My “shopping motto” is to never be in a hurry and always be willing to walk, but not before leaving your name and number and an offer if you see something you’re in the market for.
For example, you have gutted an old kitchen and are in the process of installing new cabinets. In the case of a cooktop or range you have made an offer on and will hear back within the week, keep using your hot plate and toaster oven until you have resolved the item you made an offer on. If you get into too much of a hurry and keep shopping, you could easily end up overpaying by hundreds, even thousands.
