SteveON:graemeh:xpd: Ive found with HN, you rarely get any form of discount, but they'll usually throw some extras in instead to make the deal seem more tempting.
You need to work on your bargaining skills then.
Nobody should ever pay the "ticket price" at Harvey Norman for bigger items (unless you're getting interest free finance but then it's not really free you are paying an inflated price to pay for it).
If the sales droid you are talking to won't cut a deal then just talk to someone else in the shop.
When I worked in retail I REALLY hated customers like that. It is in the best interest of the shop to make a sale, but not if there is no money to be made. Most people expect products to be discounted these days, but with thin margins its not really possible.
I used to just walk away from customers who I knew were about to ask for a better deal. I remember countless times explaining to customers why we could not match an online shop or why the $120 Logitec bag with mouse and USB stick would not come free with a $1000 budget laptop. I am so glad those days are long gone...
Harvey Norman seem to put excessive margins into their ticket prices for most items.
Briscoes are another one that is terrible for this. A manufacturer will suggest RRP of $40, Briscoes will price at $50, Farmers at $40.
You are right though, the retailer needs to sell the produce at a price that still makes a profit for them. The only time they would sensibly sell below cost is if there was some other reason to quit the stock such as a new model coming or needing to get cash out of existing stock to buy new and better stock.
