re: Atypical things you don't pay retail for...

i have yet to come across a mechanic that will haggle. all those i have dealt with are so busy, they have no problem telling you to kiss off if you don't want to pay. that said, i research to try and get as honest of a mechanic as possible, and i gladly pay for quality service.

i haggle cars and other major purchases. i don't haggle food or items from a big box retailer. i have gotten deals on floor models/discontinued items, but i can usually find things i want for much cheaper than msrp. i also haggle my cable, internet, sat radio, etc.

you have to look at whether it is worth the time/effort. for something a few hundred or less, it is really not worth it for me to haggle. i bargain shop, and that saves me plenty. the higher up things go in price, the more i will haggle.