In most cases, this is to our advantage. The practice, however, goes on full-bore at the wholesale level. Americans won't haggle over a bunch of carrots in the grocery store, she adds. Such competition keeps prices down. And as the economy continues its slump, prices in some stores are being slashed to haggle levels as managers try to unload back inventory.
Moroccan goods go on display at a flea market in Washington.
Some vendors sell imports from their native lands. Many people also are hashing out deals in cyberspace, through online auctions and online brokers for flights, cruises, and hotels. Still, some may never warm up to the practice of haggling. Phyllis Ackerly of Washington worked for a long time as a real estate broker and a sales person. In fact, they say if you can split the difference between the retail and trade-in figures, you've done a good job.