How to Haggle to Get the Best Deals

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Everybody loves a deal in these tough economic times. Stores are so desperate for business, sometimes you can negotiate in places you never imagined.

Paula Morrison's always online asking for a deal.

"I think out of maybe 15 purchases, I've only been turned down once," Morrison said.

In this economy, she decided to take her cyber haggling skills to the mall.

"One day I said 'I'm going to do it, what have I got to lose,'" Morrison said.

Just by turning on her charm, the salesperson at JCrew gave her 25 percent off, essentially a belt for free.

"I'm shocked every time because you don't expect to get anything for free anymore," Morrison said.

NEWS 9 sent a producer into stores with a hidden camera to see what discounts she could negotiate.

She tried asking in one store if an item was on sale for less, but the sales clerk said prices were not up for discussion.

It was a similar story in a popular discount retail chain, who said if there was nothing wrong with the item, the price tag is it.

The NEWS 9 producer eventually had some luck when she bought multiple frames and asked for a bulk discount. She received 10 percent off.

"The only thing I can promise you about the stuff I'm going to unpack for you tonight is it works, and it works every single time you apply it," said personal finance expert Dave Ramsey.

Ramsey has been bargaining for years, and said it can't ever work if you don't try it.

The finance expert points to three main tips. First, be willing to walk away if you can't haggle for the deal you desire. Second, research and use other store's prices to negotiate. Third, pay in cash, and bring it with you when you shop.

"Take something like 10, $100 bills and just kind of use them up in someone's face. You don't have to be too crazy about it, but I would hold cash up and go 'I'm paying cash. I want a deal,'" Ramsey suggested.

Ramsey said now is the best time to ask a store clerk to slash their prices.

"Stores who would never, who would throw their nose up in the air and snub you for trying to negotiate and offering them cash right now are smiling and saying 'Oh good, there's a human here with money wanting to make a purchase,'" Ramsey said.

Morrison believes there's no harm in trying, so every time she buys anything, she tries for a discount.

"Every penny does count whether you have a lot of money or you don't, it doesn't matter, saving a buck is saving a buck. If I can do it, I'm going to do it," Morrison said.