It’s time to trade in that too-small television for a big-screen TV. While walking amongst dozens of huge televisions with huge price tags to match, you start to feel pretty discouraged. They all seem a little out of your price range, and you couldn’t find your model in the Black Friday ads… Price tags are set in stone, right?

Not necessarily.

Many customers don’t realize just how much control they have when they’re shopping for big-ticket items. Just like you’d haggle for a lower price at a craft fair or farmer’s market, you can haggle the same way for big-screen televisions.

Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle

Many people think haggling is improper or foolish when dealing with a big retailer. It doesn’t matter where you’re shopping — from a local mom-and-pop shop to Wal-Mart or Best Buy — you can always try haggling, especially for big-ticket items.

A big screen television sale represents a significant profit for the store. If you buy your TV at another store, they’re losing both commission and profit. Therefore, it’s in the salesperson and manager’s best interest to make sure you leave the store with a television — even if they have to make financial concessions to make it happen.

Ready to start talking that price down? Here are six ways to haggle for big screen televisions.

1. Use Price Matching

You can often find a cheaper price for the same television at an online retailer. However, you’ll also have to pay for shipping, often from remote locations. Shipping costs can add plenty of unnecessary expenses to your purchase. Instead, print out the online retailer’s ad and take it to a local store.

Most stores will match or beat a competitor’s price. Take that ad printout into a local store and explain you’d rather buy locally — in addition to saving on shipping, you’ll be giving back to the local economy. Most retailers will gladly meet your printout’s price. Some will even throw in free delivery.

2. Pay in Cash

Stores will gladly avoid paying extra credit card fees. If you’re able to pay in cash, they may grant you a larger discount. You may find this strategy especially effective towards the end of the month if you offer to pay with cash that day — your television sale will instantly boost a store’s monthly numbers and your offer will look especially attractive if they’ve had a slow month.

3. Know When to Walk Away

Contrary to what your clamoring family members are arguing, you do not need that big screen television today. Don’t listen to the salesperson who’s telling you about another couple that’s been eyeing that same model. Big screen TVs don’t exactly fly off the shelf. The odds are in your favor that the television set you looked at this morning will still be there tomorrow.

Don’t let anyone pressure you into buying. Rather, you should pressure them. Don’t like the price you’re hearing? Walk away. The store manager may grab you with a better deal before you even leave the store.

4. Shop in the Spring

Holiday sales run high in November and December. Television sales aren’t hurting in January, either, thanks to Superbowl demand. You’d be better off waiting until March or April to buy a new television, when TV sales are slower. Another great time to check out big screen television sales? Start price checking a week or two after the Superbowl.

5. Buy Last Year’s Model in August or September

New television models tend to start arriving in August or September. During this time, stores are eager to clear out last year’s inventory. You’ll find lower prices and a staff that’s much more willing to haggle.

6. Do Your Research on the Floor Models

Most people are hesitant to buy floor model televisions, given that they’ve been handled by strangers and kept running for countless hours each day. Yes, you should use extreme caution when considering a floor model television, however, try inspecting the floor model for a sticker that says when it first went on display. You could save hundreds of dollars on a television that’s been on display for just a few days.

Don’t see a sticker? Ask your salesperson. Most stores keep records of the shelf life of their display model televisions.

Don’t Be Afraid of Big Box Stores, Either

Consumers have reported successfully haggling at major retailers like Best Buy or Sears. So don’t be afraid to flex your haggling muscles — the money you’ll save will be well worth the extra effort.

About the Author:

Jon Vincent turned his obsession with Black Friday ads into a website – and a career! He’s been interviewed about his website, BlackFriday.info, by the New York Times, CNN, Tech Crunch and more. When he’s not hunting down Black Friday ad leaks he stays busy by writing frugality and savings advice.