Talk yourself into a deal where there are no coupons
For many purchases there are no coupons. But in this down economy you may be able to talk yourself into a deal because many businesses are eager for customers. If you need motivation, open your wallet. Money tight? Keep reading.
I brushed up my haggling skills by calling Mandy Walker, a projects editor at Shop Smart magazine, a shopper-friendly publication owned by Consumer Reports. Her main advice was that if you don't ask, you will never get a discount.
"It's always worth trying," Mandy said. "If you feel uncomfortable going into it, (remember) if you get a great deal, you will feel great."
Try these tactics when you next buy electronics, clothing, a home, a car, appliances, shoes, or hire a contractors or purchase services.
+ Do your research before you go into the store so you can back up claims that a rival has it for cheaper. Prove it with a printout of the rival's advertised price. Or use a comparison Web site like Shopzilla or Pricegrabber.
+ Consider visiting multiple stores for flyers or other proof of lower prices. Tell the salesperson which store has it for less and ask them if they can beat that price.
+ Go to the store when it is not busy so the salesperson has time to...
...work with you. If business is slow and they spend 30 minutes negotiating with you, they have a lot invested and won't want you to walk away.
+ Keep your voice down. They probably don't want other customers to know you are getting a deal.
+ Encourage the salesperson to work with you by being polite. Remember, you may have to negotiate with them on another day if you can't clinch the deal the first try.
+ Say things like, is there a way I can have a better deal?
+ If they turn you down thank them anyway and then ask to speak to their manager.
+ If they won't come down use the phrase, I don't know. That is more than I am able to spend.
+ Hesitate.
+ Don't be afraid of silences.
+ Look for small flaws that don't bother you (like an out of sight scratch) or that you know you can fix (like a smudge that will wash out). Ask if the salesperson can lower the price because of this blemish.
+ If you are already in the door, like at a spa or salon, and they are not busy, say something like I am having a great time and noticed you aren't too busy. Are they any discount services you can offer me?
+ Ask if the item is going on sale soon. That lets the salesperson know you are not in a hurry. If a sale is coming up, ask if you can get the sale price now. You might not be able to come back on a sale day.
+ Be willing to walk away and come back another day.
+ Do not put yourself into a situation where you need to buy the item that day. That eliminates your bargaining power.
+ Wait a few days or weeks to make the purchase. Visit the store during that time and look for price adjustments. If the price has been slashed and the item still has not sold, point this out to the salesperson, then ask for an even better price.
+ Push them to name a price first. When you name your price start with something lower than you are willing to settle for. This gives them room to maneuver and leaves the impression they upsold you.
+ Offer cash as a last resort to get the price down, if you can.
+ Ask for extras if you cannot get a lower price. For a digital camera, ask if you can get a carrying case or tripod for free. For a TV ask for free installation. For a home ask for repairs.
"The worst that can happen is they say no," Mandy said. "The best that can happen is you can get a great deal."
Keep trying until you perfect your technique. You may not be successful every time, but it will pay off even if it only works some of the time.
2 Comments
Leave a comment
About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
My Facebook Profile
I didn't understand the tip within the fifth from the bottom: "When you name your price start with something lower than you are willing to settle for." ???
Diane,
When negotiating, if you name a price lower than you are willing to agree to it allows you room to raise the price you will settle for, thus giving the appearance of flexibility. ~Julia