" If we as shoppers are not trustworthy when we say we "need" a certain amount more, we cheapen ourselves and, potentially, the perception of all shoppers. There is nothing to stop the greedy or negotiation-gifted from using their wiles to over-charge based upon their wants or just a belief that they are worth some predetermined amount of money"
I try to stay out of disagreements with you, but I STRONGLY disagree with this statement.
I personally know some shoppers who are uncomfortable asking for bonuses, because they feel it is "begging". I taught them how to present it, so it didn't feel like "begging".
Screw "need". I deserve a living wage, and I work damned hard for it.
(PS: I am negotiation gifted; my background is sales & customer service, and I'm selling MY customer service, so I'm quite comfortable with it. If it's not worth my time, I just don't take the job. If I don't get a timely response from the scheduler, I send a polite apology -- "Sorry. I didn't hear back from you, so I scheduled other shops, and no longer have any available time." )