With the economy reeling and U.S. consumer confidence plummeting, you'd think manufacturers would find ways to stimulate sales this holiday season and into 2009—be it offering rebates, extending warranties, providing free shipping, or other come-ons.

Yet of the dozen or so companies contacted for this story—including makers of large and small appliances, interior paints, power tools, vacuums, home furnishings, and more—only a handful were willing to comment. Some pleaded the Fifth (" . . . wanted to let you know that we will have to pass on this one"), while others insisted that retailers control the incentives. Others fell somewhere in the middle, including the spokesperson for a major appliance manufacturer whose e-mail reply noted that his company "will be stepping up its purchase rebate program to make it easier for consumers to acquire the first in class convenience features and performance." That person wouldn't elaborate when pressed for more details.

Manufacturers weren't able to provide greater details in part because of the speed at which the economy has fallen. "Everything happened so fast this year," says Joseph Cohen, founder and CEO of Snow Joe, which manufactures electric snow blowers sold at Walmart, Sears, and independent retailers nationwide. "It went so bad, so quickly, that we weren't able to react fast enough." Cohen notes that smaller retailers are often better equipped to create incentives for consumers. "It depends on the willingness and ability of the retailer to adapt. It's going to require them to take a salesman off the floor to actually key the process in [to get financing for the customer]," he explains. "For Joe's Hardware in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it might make sense to do that if it means an $800 sale."

Similarly, large manufacturers with independent dealers seem to be reacting to the economic crunch this holiday season. "We depend on the manufacturer for the financing programs, but then we try to do what we can on the service end," says Clyde Phillips, who manages James River Equipment in Asheboro, North Carolina, which sells outdoor power equipment by John Deere. Phillips says the service end includes free delivery of the product, a tank of gas, or complimentary first-scheduled maintenance checks.

Briggs & Stratton, which make engines for lawn equipment and generators, is also able to fast-track incentives by working with its independent dealers. "We realize that the economy is tough right now, and we want to move equipment to people that have a need," says Troy Blewett, director of dealer-channel marketing. "Ideally it's a win-win kind of thing, where our dealers make money, our customers get good products at a fair price, and we make a little money." Between now and the end of February, Briggs & Stratton is offering zero-down plans through 2010, six-month extended warranties, and $150 to $300 mail-in rebates on select purchases.

Not everyone agrees that the best holiday deals are found through independent dealers and small retailers. "It's often quite the opposite," contends Dan Butler, vice president of retail operations for the National Retail Federation. "National chains have more people, so they can take measures to respond to trends more quickly. A small, independent retailer has to wear so many hats that they can be slow in reacting to a trend, so I don't think they have an advantage over big companies from that standpoint."

What's more, because major retailers move more volume, they can buy in bulk and pass on the savings to consumers. That's how the Home Depot, for example, was able to offer a two-for-one deal on certain Ryobi tools and lifetime service, including parts and batteries, on select Rigid products.

Where does this leave you this holiday season? There are no hard-and-fast best practices, but be aware that deals are out there. "Spend an extra couple minutes researching that item and finding the merchant that has the lowest price and the lowest overall value," says Snow Joe's Cohen. "We're already seeing a savvier consumer this season. I think they need to be. Heck, we all need to be."—Daniel DiClerico

Essential Information: Read Tightwad Tod on our Money blog for the latest information on holiday shopping and tips for getting the best deals. And visit our Home Improvement Guide interactive for advice on appliances, tools, and building materials.