You guys should really try this method, and not just on astro stuff.
I do my homework, shop around, get prices off the net, and all that. Then I start going in, asking if that is the best price they are prepared do the item for. Then when they give me their best price I tell them the truth. I tell them if I can get the item from such and such a competitor for so much less, and if they can better that price, I'll buy it from them. Never under estimate the desperation to create a sale from some retailers. Use that to your advantage.
Some retailers crack the ****s, but I just tell them I gave them the opportunity to do business, and that if they would rather I buy it off someone else who is prepared to do business, so be it.
I also tell them how unrealistic they are, thinking that customers have to pay their higher price, for what reason? Just so they can give them their hard earned, when they can go somewhere else and get it cheaper. How retarded is that?
I also don't buy much off retailers if they employ casual 16 year old school kids, instead of adults. It is then obvious they are more interested in their own personal profit.
That's why I keep away from Hardly Normal.
Recently an item I was after Hardly Normal wanted $499 for. Got it from Richard Smith for $289, no questions asked. I assume Richard Smith wasn't selling it for a loss either! If you accidentally think Hardly Normal pinch yourself and go to JB instead, and do some haggling, then count the cash you saved later...and mail it to me!
It never ceases to amaze me how many retailers have this notion that customers must meet the demands of the retailer, and pay what they demand, without ever questioning it.
I've even had retailers try and give me 'sob' stories that they can't beat such and such a competitors price because of their overheads, wages, rent etc. etc.
I tell them if their life is so hard and unprofitable shut up shop and go get a job in a factory on a twelve hour rotating day night shift like I used to do and to STFU.
