Originally Posted by
IANative
When dealing with a private business, I will always first ask for their "best price" on whatever I'm considering purchasing. Then I ask them what the price is if I pay cash. My general contractor, my landscaper, my LBS, the car dealership, etc. Obviously, I don't explore that option at Sears or Home Depot, or the grocery store. But private businesses- especially when I can get to the owner- have almost always been willing to make additional concessions in exchange for full cash payment. YMMV
I almost exclusively offer cash and ask for a cash price at Sears on anything more than a couple-three hundred dollars in price, same at furniture, home supply, etc. Checks and cards cost them money. If cash won't make it work for at least a couple or three percent, I go ahead and use my credit card, and let them help pay for my miles/points. 90+% of the time I get the cash discount, at minimum.