Bargaining For Bargains

(CBS)  Everyone loves a bargain, but you don't have to wait for things to go on sale to get a discount.

It's possible to negotiate a lower price on just about anything, says financial adviser and radio host Dave Ramsey. And the more expensive the item, the more wiggle room you have.
But you have to know how to go about it.

Ramsey shared tips with co-anchor Hannah Storm on The Early Show Tuesday.

"It's like we're the only country in the world that doesn't bargain for everything," he observed. "If you visit any other country, bargaining is a way of life. We get in our overpriced cars and (use) overpriced gasoline, (to) drive to the mall and put it on overpriced credit card interest and pay 120 percent of retail, and think that's a good idea.

"I don't know if everything's negotiable every time. But it sure is fun to mess with them for a change."

Even though it can be intimidating to ask for a better price, Ramsey says it's well worth it: "What you learn is, you're not necessarily damaging someone else. You have to keep in mind they really want to sell you something. That's why they're there. You're not hurting them. You're helping yourself. You're blessing them and you get what you want."

Ramsey's prevailing motto in bargaining is to have fun. He feels it's like a game, and you should try to enjoy and embrace the challenge. You don't have to be aggressive or mean to get a deal, he says. As a matter of fact, Ramsey suggests that shoppers smile at all times. The salesperson is much more likely to want to work with you if you're friendly.

His main tips:

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