I have a few random points about bargaining to go over today, more random tips than anything.
First, and most important, is to always be polite. People hate thinking nice people dislike them, so if you are polite to sellers, they are far more likely to give you a bargain just so they think you like them. Yes, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as paying in change, but you should always start negotiations by being friendly.
Never try to go for pity points. When I've had sales, I've had people try to reduce my price by telling me they need to save money because of various hardships they're going through. Great, I would tell them, and I have to pay off my student loans. My point is that you know nothing of the seller's situation. Maybe his wife has cancer. Maybe her car just got totaled. You end up sounding incredibly self-centered when you try to use pity as a bargaining technique.
I have found one exception to this rule solely by accident. If you're a college student, you can try wearing a shirt or jacket with your university's emblem. I've found that when I wear it, people frequently notice it when I'm bargaining. They'll ask me about it and offer me a lower price upon me telling them I am a student at that university without me asking. This is very much a matter of luck, though.
Finally, and most importantly, there are no set rules. Try experimenting with different strategies; maybe you will find something I have never considered. I am always trying new techniques; I just discuss the ones that prove most successful.
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