"Haggling" Can Save You Big Bucks

(CBS)  From gas to groceries, prices are on the rise.

And, in our new series, "Early on the Cheap," The Early Show finds hidden discounts for you.

On Monday, we showed how you could save big bucks -- hundreds, even thousands of dollars -- without coupons or buying things on sale -- by "haggling" -- basically -- negotiating!

In these tough economic times, prices are rarely set in stone, even in retail stores.

And ShopSmart magazine Editor in Chief Lisa Lee Freeman explains that haggling could get you discounts on everything from appliances and furniture to spas -- even with doctors.

First tip: don't be timid! She told CBS News, "We asked our readers why they didn't negotiate, and they said they thought they would look foolish or it makes them feel uncomfortable. And I think people just don't think to negotiate in stores. They think of haggling at a flea market."

What should people keep in mind when they're trying to get a discount on something?

"It never hurts to ask!" Freeman says. "If you want to buy something and you're trying to get the price reduced, and you don't have a coupon -- the thing to do is ask for a better price. It's not going to be successful every time, but you could save a lot.

Specifics from Freeman:

CLOTHING

LOOK FOR IMPERFECTIONS: It could be something as minor as a loose button. I was in an outlet store and a button was falling off a jacket. I asked, 'Can you give me an extra 15 percent off?' And the cashier said, 'No problem.' You can do that at local, independently-owned stores, as well. You may not be able to do it in Macy's, but it's always worth trying.

MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE SALES PEOPLE: Ask about coupons you don't have. I was buying a suit in a major department store, and I said, 'I normally have coupons, but I don't today.' And she pulled out coupons from the cash register. And they can tell you about sales coming up. Always ask.

APPLIANCES

ASK FOR A VOLUME DISCOUNT: If you're re-doing your whole kitchen, you can often finagle if you're shopping for, say, a fridge, stove, and dishwasher at the same time. Or bring a friend who might also be in the market for a new appliance.

BUY FLOOR MODELS: If you see a floor model that works for you, you can usually get a discount.

Can you get discounts at the big stores, such as Home Depot and Sears?

You're not going to have as much negotiating room at the big chain stores. However, that's not to say you can't. Nowadays, they're more willing to do that. But don't assume that the big stores are going to be cheaper than your regional chains or local stores. Those guys are really the ones looking to negotiate. Bring your coupons and research the prices before you go.

SALONS and SPAS

ASK FOR EXTRAS SERVICES: If you're already at a spa and thinking of wrapping up, maybe ask for extra services for a discount. They may be willing to work with you.

REFER FRIENDS AND FAMILY: This is great at local hair and nail salons. Ask for a discount if you refer friends and family.

DOCTORS

OFFER TO PAY CASH UP FRONT: People don't think they can do this, but doctors say the hardest thing they have to do is collect payments. If you're willing to pay up front and not be billed, it makes it easier for them. They may be willing to give you a break. Even if you have insurance, there's of course lots of stuff insurance doesn't cover. For example, I have to get a root canal and my insurance only covers 60 percent. That other 40 percent is still negotiable with my dentists.

FURNITURE

Now is a great time to shop for furniture. Why?

TIME IT RIGHT: One of the best times of the year for haggling on furniture is around the Fourth of July. Stores are making room for the new furniture that they've ordered at the High Point market in North Carolina in the spring.

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To read ShopSmart's article on this, click here.

[dave_usa]

Because so many people are interested in saving a few dollars these days I started a list of coupon sites at www.grocerycouponsplus.com . I have saved money and the extra $10.00 I save a week can go to gas or whatever I need. I have listed coupons for savings of $1.00 on cleaning supplies and even milk! I know this can help out a more than just few people!

Dave