If I feel like a shops prices are too high (one of the shops I shop is notoriously high) and I plan to purchase an item but am iffy because of the price I'll just ask them plainly"Is this your best price?". If it is and I feel ithe price is too high and it's worth my while to buy it somewhere else I will.

Asking if "it's his best price" gives him the opportunity to cut me a break without insulting him. Somethimes they can do it and sometimes they can't. I generally won't ask unless I feel they're high 20-25% compared to competetors(which in some cases they are)

I like to help a local shop as much as the next guy but I hunt on a limited budget.