Negotiating and haggling are regaining popularity. Even the most timid of consumers is starting to speak up to get the best deal. What used to be reserved for garage sales or large purchases, such as automobiles, appliances and homes, is now a trend crossing over to many additional products and services. It doesn't cost you anything to simply ask whether a price is set in stone before you buy. So don't be afraid. If you're married or have kids, you've been negotiating on a regular basis for a while.
Do you have a haggling story? Let me know. Not sure where to begin?
KNOW YOUR PRICES: Comparison shop and know what items cost elsewhere. With knowledge of prices, you can make a fair and reasonable offer. When shopping, bring fliers, quotes or printouts from online if possible. You can show the ad to the salesperson or manager when negotiating. But be sure you're talking to a decision maker.
BE FLEXIBLE: Don't have your heart set on a specific item. Have a few choices in mind so you can walk away until you can get the best deal. Big tip: Don't make demands or tell lies to try to save a few bucks. A kind, sincere discussion is going to go a long way.
OFFER CASH: You'll have more leverage with cash in hand. Some sellers will discount based on saving credit-card transaction fees.
BUY BULK: Often, you can get a better deal if you're buying in quantity. One reader, Danni in Canada, shares: "I bought three bikes at a time and convinced them to give me 10 percent off plus some accessories for free."
Some more examples.
- If you're buying a bed and mattress, you can ask whether they'll give you a deal if you buy an entire set or a higher-quality mattress. If they say no, see whether they'll drop the delivery or installation charges.
- If you belong to a group, such as a school committee, and know students will want to order flowers for a dance, call a local florist and see whether you can get a discount for sending a large quantity of orders to their store. You can then recommend students go there for a discount. Some florists might agree to a discount because it can be easier for them to make multiples of similar orders than hundreds of custom orders at prom time. Strive for win-win situations.
- If you notice clearance items such as discounted meat, produce, plants or clothing, to name a few, ask the seller whether they'd accept less if you took it all.
- Have a few pets? See whether your vet will work with you on discounted medical fees.
FLAWED MERCHANDISE: You've probably heard of negotiating a better price on a floor model or scratch-and-dent merchandise. But you can haggle on small damaged items, too. Think: Bags of mulch, potting soil, kitty litter, etc. These types of items aren't as appealing to all consumers, but if you don't mind putting down a blanket or tarp in your trunk, chances are you can get a deal.
DELAY PURCHASES: If you can wait to buy an item until it's off-season, you can get more negotiating power. This can go for products and services. You're much more likely to get a better price when sellers are trying to move products out to make room for new products or during slow seasons. Timing can mean big savings. For a handy annual sales and seasonal-discount calendar, visit my frugal notebook forum (www.frugalvillage.com/forums). And speaking of timing, if an item isn't in stock (negotiate on a higher-ticket item), wasn't delivered on time (negotiate free delivery or a discount), or you're not getting the service you were sold (maybe it's your ISP connection speed), you have room for negotiation.
Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (http://www.frugalvillage.com/), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.
