Budget & Advice: How to Strike a Bargain

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Ask Nicely:
“Politely ask the dealer if the sticker price is their best price. This gives them the opportunity to offer a discount to their liking,” says Glenn, who cautions against beginning the bargaining process by naming a price of your own. “You risk insulting the person by offering too little, in which case they’re not likely to reduce the price at all.” Page agrees, adding that a dealer doesn’t want to hear a list of reasons the item isn’t worth what they’re asking. “Most dealers respond more favorably to empathy. Instead of suggesting a specific reduction, say something like, ‘I really love this piece, but I can’t afford it. Can you do better?’”

Tip: The pricier the item, the more bargaining leverage you have. “If it’s an inexpensive piece, you may get 10 percent off,” says Glenn. “However, if it’s more than $100, you can try for a larger discount.”

Return Often:
Glenn makes frequent trips to her favorite flea markets and second-hand stores. “Good merchandise moves quickly, so it pays to visit often,” she says. Furthermore, you can keep an eye on that costly bureau you’re dying to take home. “If it’s been in the store for awhile, you can use that to your advantage. Try saying, ‘I noticed that piece was here four months ago—what’s the best price you can give me?’”

Tip: Let employees at the shops you frequent know if you collect certain items. “I love display hands, so dealers will call me when they get some in. Because I’m practically a sure sale, they often give me a deal,” says Glenn.

Place a Bid:
Auctions are prime hunting grounds for great deals. “You can get bargains on everyday items such as lamps, rugs, and artwork that are good quality but not necessarily rare,” says Page. You can also clean up on items of interest to only a select number of people. “If you love Victorian antiques, for example, there may only be three others in the crowd who like the same pieces you do—there’s not much competition,” explains Glenn. “On the other hand, if you go into a shop that specializes in Victorian antiques, prices are going to be higher due to a greater demand.”

Tip: You don’t have to be experienced to win a prized item. “The most important thing is to set a budget for yourself—don’t get caught up in the bidding,” cautions Glenn.

Buy in Numbers:
Cut costs by purchasing a few pieces at once. “If you find something you want, look around for a couple more items, then ask the dealer how much they’ll take for the whole collection,” says Glenn. “The more you buy, the better the discount.”

Tip: At antique malls, dealers often aren’t on site, but you can still strike a bargain. “Go to the person running the mall and ask them to call the dealer,” says Glenn. “If someone gets a call, they’re likely to give you at least a 10 percent discount.”

Examine Your Merchandise:
Before haggling with a dealer, take a good look at your items. “If someone shows me a chipped lamp, I’ll give them a discount,” says Glenn. “But it doesn’t pay to get nitpicky.”

In fact, says Page, “Instead of pointing out flaws, I am complimentary to the merchandise and to the shopkeepers, telling them that I like their taste. I always haggle, but I let them know that I respect their business overhead.”

Tip: “The best advice I could give a novice is, ‘Bring your best haggling friend!’ You’ll quickly learn it’s easy to build a rapport with a dealer,” says Page.