Here is the most powerful thing you can say to a mattress salesman.

"I like it, but it's pretty expensive. I'm not sure I can afford that right now."

Tell him that you're interested, but that the price is an issue. I've already mentioned this tactic in passing before, but I need to explain just how powerful it is.

Once the salesman sees that you're interested in a bed, you've got him hooked. He'll try to make that sale now. And if it's too expensive for you, then he'll bring the price down. Of course, there's a limit to how low he'll go. If he decides that you really can't afford it, then he'll try to show you some other models that don't cost so much.

When the salesman perceives that the price is an obstacle, he may ask you how much you can afford. Don't ever give him a number. Never. Just say "Well, I don't know. I hadn't really decided on a limit. But this seems like kind of a lot."

He'll find a way to bring that price down. This is the surest way I know to get a discount on a bed.

Let him know you like the bed. And let him know that the price is more than you're willing to pay. That's it. Simple.