My friend Nicole was shopping at a Wichita discount retail store recently and was admiring a handbag. An employee walked by and noticed the scenario. Nicole asked her how much the bag was. “$12,” the woman told her. A short time later, it came to their attention that the bag actually had a $20 sticker on it. “Would you buy it if it was $12?” the woman asked my friend. That evening, Nicole was sporting a brand new bag that she snagged for 40 percent off.
This might not be the typical negotiation process underway at retail stores nationwide, but negotiating is a tip the Washington Post offers when it comes to looking great during a recession. Check out their other tips, which may challenge you to shop outside of your comfort zone.