KEY POINTS:
Blokes have always had the bargains, negotiating discounts on gadgets, tools, plasma TV screens and other big boys' toys.
But now girls can get chic on the cheap in the same cheeky manner.
The recession combined with the looming end of the latest season means you'd be a fool to pay full price for fashion - especially with many fashion houses putting up signs screaming sale, sale, sale!
The Herald on Sunday went undercover to see what bargains could be bagged at frock shops along trendy Nuffield St in Auckland's Newmarket on Thursday.
The first thing to catch our eye was a fitted, blood-red velvet jacket with a gold trim in Karen Walker.
Originally $691 and on sale at $325, the assistant quickly agreed to let us take it home for $280.
Asked if she would further discount any other gorgeous gems, she confidently and breezily said yes (and without looking offended) but said it would depend on the item or how many were purchased.
A sales assistant at Alannah Hill, across the road, didn't flinch at a request to further reduce a sexy black silk knee-high cocktail dress with generous gathering and tucks.
This little beauty originally cost $519, but was now begging for a home for $469. However, she said it could be mine for $420.
Even without bargaining, there were other mega bargains about town, with many high fashion stores slaughtering prices.
Carlson had $400 pants for $69, and World had 50 per cent off everything in store on Thursday.
There were also big sales in Kate Sylvester, Wallace Rose, Zambesi, and Workshop, to name just a few.
Fashion Quarterly editor-at-large Stacy Gregg called the sales "dramatic" and felt many shops had pulled the trigger earlier than usual.
She said it was likely due to the tough economic climate and "everyone has cash-flow problems".
"They are interesting times," said Gregg, who advised shoppers to always inquire about further reductions on high-fashion sale items.
