You have to have that evening dress at all costs...except at the price they're asking.

WHAT TO CONSIDER: The big department stores don't officially permit bargaining. (Not that you want to impersonate a peasant woman at Saks.) But as Suzy Gershman, author of the Born to Shop series of city guides, says, "Almost everybody deals, but they're cagey about it. They might say, 'It's about to go on sale anyway, so we'll give it to you at the promotional price as a courtesy.'" Keep in mind that department stores can always exile clothes that aren't selling to their discount outlets. Independent boutiques can't, so their owners are usually amenable to some accommodation. Cindi Nugent, the owner of Cindi, an upscale boutique in Syosset, New York, will offer a 10 percent discount to big spenders without even being asked. "I always try to take care of my customers," she says.

WHAT TO SAY: Hamburg recommends some variation of "When do you think this will go on sale? Would you consider marking it down for me now? If you would, I'd take it." She also points out that talking to a personal shopper employed by a store can be handy in the matter of bargains. "I'll say to her, 'When the dress is on sale, call me,'" Hamburg explains. "And, suddenly, the next day, it goes on sale."