NEGOTIATING YOUR WAY TO GOOD DEALS
As retailers struggle with slow sales and escalating energy costs, they may be more than willing to strike a deal to sell their products. You will be surprised at how many stores with fixed prices are willing to negotiate a price, only when asked.
Many customers may be embarrassed to ask for a lower price when buying items and some see it as offensive or undermining the seller’s integrity. There is nothing wrong with negotiating for a better price and it doesn’t hurt either. You are trying to spend money wisely here and not giving the impression of being a cheapskate. Think of yourself as a savvy consumer when haggling for a better price. You are not the only person out there doing this very same thing. The most neutral question to ask is “Can you give me a better price?” In most instances, the sales assistance will quote a lower rate. It is then up to you to take it or negotiate further to get a better bargain.
Always trying to get good deals when shopping, I never fail to ask for the best price. “Is this your best price?”, “I actually don’t intend to get this but I happen to see your product. If you can offer a good price, I will consider”, “I will recommend your store to my friends if you can give me a good price”. These are some power statements I use or questions I ask in trying to get a good deal for a product. In most cases, I do get to strike a good bargain with the seller. Negotiating a price also works well to avoid paying for more than you should especially in situations when the seller mark up the original price hoping to gain huge profits.
Here are some useful tips:
Do your research: Do some online research on the price of the product you intend to buy so you have an idea of how much it generally costs so that you won’t get overcharged.
Be cool when negotiating: There is no reason to be loud or get angry if the seller can’t or won’t bargain with you. Keep a smile on your face.
Use the stalling tactic: If the seller isn’t meeting your price then use a stalling tactic such as being silent or contemplating other makes and models of the same item you’re interested in. Chances are that while you are stalling the seller will come up with a way to get your business. Tell them you are going to make a purchase today somewhere and would really like to buy from them if they can do something to lower the price. If things still aren’t going well, don’t be afraid to name the price you want to pay then slowly raise the price from there until an agreement is made.
Be rational when negotiating: Don’t ask for the ridiculous such as asking for half the quoted price. In such cases, you will be given a cold shoulder than being entertained.
Be prepared to walk away: You will not get the deal you want every time. If you’ve tried all of your tricks and the manager or sales person won’t budge, then it’s time to go elsewhere for a better deal.
