How to Haggle at Flea Markets and Yard Sales

You can negotiate a better price at most bargain hunting bastions -- flea markets, yard sales, junk stores, antique malls, and thrift stores. Secondhand sellers expect haggling, so don't feel shy or embarrassed. Try to think of it as sport, and follow these tips to learn how to haggle for huge savings.

Dress Down: Don’t show up in your designer duds and jewels and expect to get a discount. The seller won’t believe you when you say you’re only willing or able to pay x amount.

Greet the Seller: Smile and say hello when you arrive. In France, it’s offensive not to greet the shopkeeper, and you may be ignored when you’re ready for help. It’s rude here too, especially since you’re about to ask for a favor.

Ask for the Discount: You won’t get a discount if you don’t ask. They might say no, but they can’t kill you for asking. Here’s what you might expect from different types of sales:

Don’t Offer Too Little: Don’t insult the seller by offering less than half of the tag price. Start at a little more than half, and expect to meet somewhere in the middle.

Offer Less Than You Want to Pay: Expect the seller to counter your first offer, and negotiate up from there.

Point Out Flaws: Don’t criticize the merchandise, but politely point out any flaws or damage.

Be Nice: Remember that you are negotiating, not arguing. Rudeness to a seller could cost you more than the current negotiation. Flea market vendors might remember you the next time. If you get a reputation for rudeness at yard sales, the other regular shoppers -- the ones you seem to run into at every other sale -- may warn sellers about you.

Buy in Bulk: Offer a group price if a seller has several items you want. Selling multiple items is a bigger incentive to deal.

Have Cash in Hand: Make an offer and hold out that amount of cash. That’s harder for the seller to resist than when you ask without showing them the green.

Ask, Then Be Silent: Once you’ve made an offer, don’t say anything else. In any negotiation, once an offer is on the table, the first person to speak usually loses. If the seller counters, be silent again. The seller may sweeten his own deal.

Be Willing to Walk Away: If you don’t reach an agreement on price, walk away. You can always come back later in the day if the item hasn’t sold. Ask what time they plan to close.

Shop Late: You’ll get better deals at the end of the day. Sellers are tired, and they'd rather sell something for less than pack it.

source from about.com