I use that, I am buying it for a third party in my family... like one of my sons, dad, sister or so on..... It makes throwing out a really low offer very easy...
Yep, and for those times that it is an item for the other person, I tell the third party up front, we may get this, we may not, be ready to walk away this time.
I have no problem telling folks that this is not something I want, it's for another person, and if we walk away, I consider it a win, as I didn't spend anything.
There's definitely times when it is appropriate and when it's not. Also, as you say, a big part of purchasing is knowing in advance what something is worth to you and what you will pay for it. If it's there already, then make the deal. If it's close and appropriate to negotiate, then I will. If something isn't even close, I walk as we won't likely get to where it needs to be.Maybe I'm weird, but I don't even try. If its listed at a price I'm willing to pay I buy. If it's not listed at a price I'm willing to pay I move on.
I intensely dislike the apparently-required haggling with a car salesman. Last deal we did took 2 days and if the wife hadn't wanted the damned thing so badly it wouldn't have happened. Actually told the salesman on the phone he had become a nuisance and not to call back. But.........if momma ain't happy...........
As someone else said, there are different ways to do this (email, many dealerships have internet sales folks, etc). Also, my wife has enough confidence now that she knows I'll eventually come back with what she is after. She doesn't get in a tizzy too often these days to get that specific one at that specific time if the deal is not right. I've also been known to walk away from sales people who are a nuisance and buy from someone else for close to the same terms, etc because they are not a nuisance, and provide good customer service.