Websites Allow Shoppers To Pay A Secret Price

BOSTON (CBS) - When it comes time to buy a car, most shoppers are ready to haggle for a better price. Shop online and it's a much different story.

But that could change. More websites are coming online that allow shoppers to negotiate a better price.

Joe Marrapodi of www.greentoe.com said, "There is really a secret price out there, and the secret is, if you ask for a lower price, you can probably get it."

Websites like www.greentoe.com let shoppers name their price on electronics and other household items. "Customers can expect to save anywhere from 15%-22% depending on the category," said Marrapodi.

Scott Sher found a guitar on the site which he thought would go for around $300 in most circumstances. Sher got it for $200 after using their "make an offer tool." It calculates the chance that an offer will be accepted.

The fashion site www.garmentory.com has a similar approach. Courtney Bonnell said customers tend to have a pretty good idea of what an item should cost. "Of course you're going to get some requests you can't fulfill. Maybe it's just too low."

Caty Hill of www.marketwatch.com follows shopping trends and said, "I think that people love the thrill of the hunt." She believes some shoppers may be getting sick of clicking and buying, and are intrigued by a more interactive approach.

These sites act as brokers for other retailers so it is important to check shipping fees because they can vary from item to item.