Most who seek price cuts get them

More than 90% of shoppers who tried to negotiate discounts on items such as furniture, electronics, appliances and medical bills got one on at least one purchase in the last three years, according to a survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

The survey, which included 2,167 U.S. households, found that of those who negotiated for lower prices on furniture, 94% were successful in scoring a lower price at least once in the last three years. About 93% were successful at least once in negotiating reductions on medical bills, and 92% were successful at least once in getting a lower price for home electronics products.

One of the keys to successful haggling is approach.

“You can’t bully people into giving you a lower price,” Consumer Reports Senior Editor Tod Marks said. “You have to be diplomatic.”

Marks suggested consumers search online or peruse fliers before they haggle so they know what type of discount might be reasonable. He suggested seeking out a store manager instead of a sales clerk.