Open your mouth and ask
If you’re shopping at a chain or department store, you won’t be able to negotiate the price unless there’s a flaw in the product, like a stain or a rip. But you can find out if there are any discounts. Often, stores will have an extra coupon right at the register, and if you ask, they’re usually pretty forthcoming, says Furman. Ask the store to let you know when there will be a markdown in prices; some might even offer to hold the product for you.

Avoid saying anything like “this is too expensive!” or “how can you possibly charge for this?” Instead, you want to emphasize how much you love the product. Then tell the salesperson that the item is a little out of your price range, and ask if there are any coupons or upcoming sales. If you don’t want to travel all the way to the store, you can also call and ask if any promotions are happening. “Sales clerks understand that money’s tight everywhere right now,” says Furman. “Even if you have money, you still don’t want to spend more than you have to.”

Call and ask the store to hold your item
If you see that your favorite store is having a sale but you can’t make it to the mall until later in the day, ask someone to hold the product in your size. If you can’t make the sale and you don’t need to try the product on, the store may be able to ship the item to you for free.

Do the math on shipping
People tend to balk at paying for shipping. Free shipping has become so prevalent with retailers that we’re hooked on it, says Furman. “But is it really worth it to drive to another mall, park your car and deal with the crowds, just to save $5.99?” Furman asks. “Saving money is very important, but I can always make more money. I can’t make more time.”

Take advantage of store policies to get “free money”
Most major stores will have price matching and price adjustment policies. In the case of price matching, if you show that the identical item—same SKU number and color—is cheaper at another store, they will match the discounted rate. Always be sure to get a few prices from different stores before you make the purchase.

Price adjustments are widely available at retailers and apparel stores like Gap and Ann Taylor. If there’s a big sale at the store and an item you just bought was significantly reduced in price, just call—or send an email if it was purchased online—and let them know. You can also go to the register or customer service desk in the store with just the receipt, and they’ll give you the difference between what you paid and the current price. Some stores scan the bar code of your receipt and will automatically put the money back into your account. Every store has its own restrictions, so check the specific policy.

If you bought something that you think will go on sale, Furman recommends setting a reminder on your cell phone. If the store has a two-week price adjustment window, schedule an alert to remind you to check for discounts 12 or 13 days after the day you purchased.
 

Make the sales clerk your personal shopper
Just like being a regular at the bar, when you’re at an independently owned boutique or shop, it helps when everybody knows your name. Returning customers’ purchases are sometimes tracked in the stores’ systems, and you may receive discounts and offers that first-timers won’t get.

So, get to know the sales people and the owner. And ask for help: For example, if they know that you’re looking for a specific boot that isn’t currently in stock, a clerk may call you to tell you it’s back in stock and hold it for you in your size.
 

Related: The Best Sites for Bargains

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