Why doesn't the average American understand the concept of haggling?

[MOBIUS]

Travelling through SE Asia I was struck by this phenomenon basically wherever I saw Americans buying things...

Now I wouldn't mind so much as it's their money to spend, but it does begin to get annoying when it starts to affect my own ability to haggle given the artificially inflated 'price bubble' that seems to follow American tourist around wherever they go...

The concept is fairly simple, fun and saves you money as you should rarely if ever pay over 50% of the asking price (especially if you're american!) - it is de riguer in Asian countries, indeed much of the world including Western countries.

So why do Americans not seem to grasp the concept, is it a cultural thing?

[DaShi]

Because Americans are stupid and should be categorized as such in all future discussions.

[SlowwHand]

There's a difference in understanding, and choosing to participate.
I don't haggle, bargain, wrangle, etc.
Tell me the price. If it's more than what I consider fair, I walk.
No time/inclination for negotiating.

[Spiffor]

Because it is a completely outdated practice which doesn't suit the modern, impersonal commerce (supermarkets) Americans are used to in their everyday life ?

[DinoDoc]

We simply prefer honesty in our buisiness dealings.

[Velociryx]

I second Sloww's reasonings. I understand the concept of haggling, and if I'm in no particular rush, I will even occassionally indulge in it, but in general, I just don't want to spend the time. If the price seems fair to my brain, I'll take it....if not....never mind it.

-=Vel=-

[chairmanmeow]

It's probably because it is never done in the United States, so most people have never tried it. If you walked into a store in the U.S., and told the salesperson that you want to pay $10 for something marked $20, you'll be laughed out of the store (Either that or you'll get beaten up by the security guards.)

[DaShi]

America is tough.

[SlowwHand]

You just now figuring that out ?

[Velociryx]

Actually, I have discovered that this can lead to a form of "reverse haggling."

I spend a few minutes pouring over someting at a market...shake my head and turn to walk away.

If the owner is aggressive, he may call out to me...."see anything you like?"

And of course, I'll play....and he'll offer me a "special deal" on it....if I refuse, the deal gets sweeter....and so on....

-=Vel=-

[MosesPresley]

"Why doesn't the average American understand the concept of haggling?"

Because most Americans shop retail. You can't haggle with a cashier.

[Sava]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
We simply prefer honesty in our buisiness dealings.

[lord of the mark]

uh, reality check here.

You guys have obviously never bought or sold a house or car in the US. Haggling is STANDARD for those items. One auto company, Saturn distinguishes itself with its "no haggle" policy. Consumer reports publishes stuff on wholesale prices of cars to help you haggle.

Americans tend not to haggle on smaller items - a cultural proclivity, perhaps related to traditionally high wages, which make haggling a relatively uneconomic use of both consumer and retailer time - and the tendency for retail to be in the hands of chain retailer, who give less autonomy to salespeople - though some electronics retailers do, and some haggling does take place there.

Haggling of course occurs extensively in business to business transactions and there are vast armies of consultants, investment bankers, etc who make their living from it.

[SlowwHand]

I didn't haggle on the house. It was a good deal.
Not on the truck either. Same theory applies.
Give me your best price.

[orange]

because we're decadent and have money to blow out our arses.