In some cultures, bargaining and haggling over each purchase is
considered normal (maybe even required) practice.  Here in the U.S. we
tend to look at the price tag and decide if *that* price is acceptable.
We rarely haggle or try to talk a sales clerk down in price.  There are
exceptions of course for some products (automobile buying, and for some
services), and in some situations (the demonstration product or the
shelf-worn product, for example).
  Do you bargain, haggle, or deal on other purchases or in other
situations?  Where does bargaining work best?  What are your techniques
for haggling or bargaining in a culture where paying the listed price is
the norm?

5 responses total.

I haggle occasionaly, but I'm fair about it.  Most people who haggle want
a deal the is *fair* for them, I make sure it is fair for both sides.

Do you haggle in retail stores, or are you talking about buying
merchandise from a private seller?

Private.  I never haggle in retail stores.

This response has been erased.

 try any flea market, or hamfest. 

 there is an art to haggling, the key is keeping a somber expression on
your face, and acting as if the stuff you actually want is junque, then
putting it down and walking away. 

  Come back in 10 minutes. handle the item again, and then ask the seller
how much it is (even if it's marked). I usually start the bid at 75%
of the mentioned price, and increasing the ante by 10%.

This usually works.

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