- Shoppers can easily compare prices and make deals with smart phones
- You must also be willing to walk away from any deal if it is over your price limit
- The worst thing that can happen is that they will say no
Negotiating to get a better price is something that I have practiced for years with effective results. Most people find negotiating to be somewhat awkwardand even intimidating. Negotiating for a lower price is an accepted practice at car dealerships and garage sales, but are you aware that you can also do this at department and grocery stores?
The first rule of negotiating is to know the price of the item you want to buy and how much you are willing to pay. Thanks to the use of smart phones, shoppers can easily compare prices and make deals. You must also be willing to walk away from any deal if it is over your price limit.
The art of haggling can become an easy part of your shopping experience if you follow these five strategies.
Seller initiates
One of the most obvious situations to begin negotiating is when the seller tells you that you can have the item for a lower price than listed. Essentially, they have given you permission to haggle. Car and furniture stores traditionally do this. They expect the price will be debated, so take this as an invitation to start the bidding!
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A variation of this scenario is the store’s response when you state, “I would love this item, but it costs more than I am willing to pay.” If the seller’s reaction is that they are willing to lower the price, ask them how much. Let them make the first reduction in price because they might go lower than what you had in mind.
Out of stock or last item
I have been in stores, where a sales clerk tells me the particular item I want is out of stock and the display item is the last one they have. This is music to my ears and a signal to ask for a discount on the display item.
Explain to them that the display model has been touched over and over, so in essence it’s a used item. Again, don’t make the initial offer, but ask them how much they are willing to lower the price.
Slight defect or flaw
If you notice a slight defect that you can live with, point out the flaw to the seller and ask them if they are willing to give you a discount. If at any point in your negotiating, the person you are dealing with does not have the authority to lower the price, ask to speak to a manager. Make sure you don’t haggle at the checkout counter.
Paying cash
Cash is the preferred method of payment for many merchants who want to avoid paying a fee when clients use debit or credit cards. Many of these businesses are willing to give you a discount but you must ask for it.
Buying in volume or bulk
You can also ask for a discount whenever you do volume purchasing. The reason you can be successful in this type of negotiating is the store would be losing a bigger sale than if a person was just buying one item.
I find that I am about 85 percentsuccessful when negotiating. Many more retailers are willing to negotiate on price because they want to keep you as their customer. This is also an edge they have over online competitors.
I believe in negotiating anytime, anywhere for an item I want. The worstthing that can happen is that they will say no. Remember to always be polite when asking for a discount and thank your retailer if you receive a price reduction.
Bob Blayter is a budget and debt-reduction counselor. To attend a seminar, schedule a talk or seminar, or get personal budget counseling, reach him at 480-239-4843 or financiallyfreeseminars@gmail.com. Visit www.financiallyfreeseminars.com.
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