How to haggle for those last-minute gifts

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If you still have some shopping to do, here’s some good news. With holiday sales shaping up to be the lowest in years, retailers say they’re extending return policies, volunteering on-the-spot discounts and even letting customers haggle prices well down from what’s marked in a desperate bid to make the cash register ring, The Associated Press reports today. Details are here.

Eager to haggle, but don’t know how? Check out these tips from Times reporter Alana Semuels, who first wrote about haggling way back in April:

• Be nice. Retailers won’t sell you anything if they don’t think you appreciate their merchandise. Don’t ask for a price that’s too low. Flatter them first.
• Buy three, get one free? If you’re buying several items, ask whether the merchant will throw in an additional item free or at a discount.
• Cash is king. Small independent stores and boutiques will often agree to waive the sales tax if you pay cash.
• Look at the sale rack. Merchants are eager to move things on the sale rack, which means they’re ripe for haggling. On the flip side, don’t even ask for a bargain for products in high demand.
• Timing is everything. Haggling works well in between seasons, when stores want to move their merchandise to make room for the new stuff. It’s also good to try late in the day, when salespeople are looking to get a little more cash in the till.
• Always ask. Chain stores often advertise discount coupons that may not be promoted within the store. Ask about these; you probably don’t need the coupon or ad to get the discount.
• Loyalty counts. Merchants prize regular customers. If you do a lot of business at a particular store, be sure to ask for a deal now and then.

-- Julie Makinen