For example, in a large store like Suning, can I haggle the price? Or does that mainly apply to smaller stores?

I live in Mile - about 2 hours from Kunming but I haggled successfully (but still getting ripped off I think) in a large electronics shop, and I have got an ok deal in Suning before. Perhaps the smaller shops are more competitive, but if you can speak Chinese and know your numbers plus be willing to walk away, I think you can haggle just about anywhere in Kunming? Correct me if I am wrong, but judging on what I have seen tonight - please don't abuse me!

usually the price of the item is a lot lower than the marked label (unless it's like a hand-written sale price). you can usually ask for 优惠 or if there is any 活动 (aka, any discounts or specials they're running). in my experience it's usually harder to get good discounts in suning since suning is a national chain store and i suspect suning demands a bigger cut or money goes through more hands. the key to buying appliances is to usually wait for a holiday...though right now you might still be able to catch up to some belated labor day (五一) specials.

after shopping around a few places, i personally recommend 百大家电 next door to the 国美 at 金马坊 aka 南屏街 or city center. in my experience they had the best deals and the lowest prices for the very same brand and model. however, since you live farther away (guandu?) i'm not sure if delivery will be a problem or more costly, so it may work out to buy stuff more locally and the money you might save from purchasing downtown may not be worth the hassle, your call.

at any rate, you can always try to haggle, but it will probably be met with varying success. also, it would help your bargaining efforts a lot if you have a local friend who can speak the local dialect (kunming hua) who would do most/all of the talking for you.

blueice ok thanks fro the advice! I appreciate it.