Tips for successful haggling

Smile and be patient. Demanding a deep discount right away rarely works.

Timing is everything. Salespeople are often trying to meet quotas toward the end of the month.

Avoid an audience. Salesclerks don't want other customers to know they're giving you a discount.

Do your homework. Research prices and bring Web printouts, flyers and ads with you as backup.

Read the ticket. Inventory tags sometimes will say how long an item has been on the floor. Stores are more likely to unload older goods at a better price.

Have cash. If the retailer can save the fees from a credit-card transaction, they might be more willing to deal.

Be prepared to walk. Your best weapon is the ability to walk away and spend elsewhere.