If you are decorating on a budget, it's important to get items for your design at the best price possible. Whether you are buying at a flea market, garage sale, or discount store, you can negotiate a lower price on most items. Haggling is an art form which, if done skillfully and with the right attitude, will save you hundreds of dollars. Here's how to haggle successfully:

• Attitude is everything! If you try to intimidate, bully or demean the vendor, he/she will most likely dig his/her heels in and demand the full price. If, however, you are polite, charming, and respectful, you will usually come away with a lower price.

• Research before you bargain. It's best to know what the item usually brings and in what condition before you begin to bargain. If the price is already low for the item, you probably will not get the price much lower. But if the price is high, you have lots of negotiating room. But it's up to you to know your prices.
• Fair value. Determine a fair price that you can afford to pay and stick with it. This tip goes hand in hand with the next one, which is:
• Walk away. Don't fall in love with the item. Prepare to walk away if your price isn't met. Don't “ohhhhh” and “aaahhh” all over the item, but politely point out its defects or imperfections. And whatever you do, don't tell your companion in front of the vendor that “you just HAVE to have” that item. He/she is no fool and you just signaled that you will be willing to pay more for the beloved item.
• Pay cash. Take the exact price you want to pay out of your wallet before you begin negotiating. Show the vendor the cash and hold it out to him/her. It is a very strong-willed vendor who is willing to let that money go back into your pocket and not his.

If you follow these basic rules, you can become an expert haggler. Just don't try this technique at stores that don't negotiate prices, such as grocery and fabric stores. They will laugh, tell you no, and you will only end up looking cheap.