I have read many articles in so-called women's magazines as well as others that advocate bargaining, i.e., asking for discounts. If you watch one of the reality series on PBS television (can't think of the name right now), it's all about negotiating. I don't think people are deliberately being insulting. They are just trying to maximize the use of their money just as you are trying to maximize what you get for your product.
I don't like negotiating, either as a seller or a buyer. That's why I pay whatever they ask at garage/yard sales (which I rarely attend) and absolutely refuse to have a garage sale. I would much rather take the stuff to Goodwill or other resale shop that supports a favorite charity. And when I go to a dealer to buy a new car, I tell them to tell me your price and I'll tell you whether I can pay it. "If you start this stuff of running back and forth between me and your manager, I'm out of here." froggyintexas