Haggling Tips

[Julie-Ann]

Do you envy those people who always seem to get a bargain whilst you pay full price? Next time try these tips on how to haggle for a bargain.

Ask but not demand. Attitude matters and being courteous and polite will never hurt.

It doesn’t take a master negotiate to know that your attitude and approach will matter greatly when you’re trying to make a deal. You should always ask for a discount instead of demanding it. “Is there any flexibility in the price?” comes out much nicer than “I need you to give me a better deal.” Besides keeping with common bargaining etiquette by only asking, you’re also leaving the door open for future discounts.

Try using phrases that are less aggressive if you have comfort issues.

The above question, “Is there any flexibility in the price?” is neutral enough. A simple inquiry on “Are there any discounts available?” followed by “Is there anything you can do for me with the pricing?” will also work well for those of us that’s more timid. Remember that you are simply asking for a better price than the listed price, you’re not asking the salesperson to give you their first-born.

Initial research can be helpful, especially if you know competitors pricing.

Want a better price on that widget? You’ll be in a better negotiating shape if you already know the general price a competitor’s willing to sell for – this way, when you see a true deal being discounted by another seller, you’ll be able to spot it miles away.

Know your price point and know when to walk away.

It’s incredibly important to set the price you’re willing to pay before you head out shopping. Juggling the price will be dependent on the item in question, your lifestyle, your income, and your value system. Obviously, if the widget in question is a couple of bucks, perhaps some soul-searching isn’t warranted. Setting a price you’re willing to pay for also allows you to back away when you can’t find the right price. Those of us that have frequent buyer’s remorse will probably be well aware of how important it is to be able to walk away from a “deal.”

For smaller chain retailers, consider cash as a bargain chip in lieu of paying with credit.

Cash sometimes is king. Believe it or not, it can be a powerful visual aid when you’re out looking for a deal. Beyond the willingness to buy, it also shows your ability to buy. Many smaller retailers will gladly pass along the savings from avoiding a credit card transaction to you, and perhaps even a bit more in percentages in discount as they will have less risk to deal with such as credit card chargeback.

Be prepare to buy if the seller meets your price.

Imagine if you spent half an hour or more servicing a customer, trying to reach a common price point, only to have the customer walk away even after you’ve met their price point. Time well spent, indeed. Although haggling can be a battleground of sorts, at the other side of the fence are real people too. Haggling etiquette dictates that if a seller is willing to meet your price point, you should be willing to buy.

Bargain Hunters - can you add any other haggling tips?

[Lanne]

Great tips JA!

I have found time to be the biggest factor. Fast sales are good sales but sometimes you have to wait it out.

I will spend time going back and forth .. once i spent 8 hours at the car yard. BUT... I walked away 7K better off than at the beginning of the day.

I also find being upfront works. I often say - I dont like haggling or wasting time.. this is the price I am looking for and if you can do it - you have a quick deal done now. If not, let's not waste each others time.

I have found being prepared to walk away is important with bigger items.. if you cant meet my price on a car.. i will walk away.

I also think you need to be very good with math or have a calculator. Particularly for larger items with multiple payment options like a car. Trade ins etc can really complicate matters.
If trading, I ensure we look at larger more expensive cars.. and then get the trade in offer on the table - before revealing we want the smaller cheaper car. The trade in price is very neg. and many dealers will give you the discount on the new one, but also lessen the buy price on the trade.

[Miss S]

I agree, im very straight to the point when I haggle.. I tell them that this is how much im willing to pay not a dollar more and 90% of the time i get it :-)

Although sometimes this direct action doesnt get the best response, but meh.. ill just go to another shop then! ha ha

[Lanne]

I dont haggle for pricing on most things.. larger ticket items like cars.. I am a crazy deal person. Fridges etc.. i shop around and ask for discounts for cash. but day to day stuff.. never. I actually dont like haggling and the going back and forth .

Some purchases, it is expected you will ask for a better deal (like a car) and others (like woolworths) you just accept the ticket price. I have the following line on our business docs:

'We have worked hard to create a balance between our pricing and the quality of the products we deliver. Please do not ask for discounts, create your own packages or incentives, as the answer will always be no.'

and... I mean it. One of my fave clients will no longer parti****te in the ordering appointment. He leaves his wife to do it because he can't help but ask for a deal and he doesnt want to offend me. I did the appointment in their home recently and we were joking that he couldn't avoid it now. He stayed and picked out images but said - don't tell me any figures LOL. I slipped them to the wife on a notepad.. and they finalised the order. ha

I think some people are more into getting a deal than others.

[judydg]

I hate haggling - I always get my husband to do it as he loves it and sees it as a challenge!

[rosierose]

I love the... "Is there any flexibility in the price?" sounds nicer.............