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In many cultures, people brag about their ability to negotiate a good deal. But many Americans never develop a tal ent for bargaining. Some people even consider it a low class thing to do. As a consequence, they go through life over-paying for every large ticket item imaginable - from houses to cars to jewelry. Here's a mini-guide to when to bargain and how to do it.
If you have an aversion to bargaining - there is one thing you ought to know - the guy on the other side of the deal is a professional salesperson. And he has a mission and that mission is to squeeze you for the last dime for whatever he’s selling. If he’s a real pro - you won’t even know he’s bargaining with you. He’ll sell you on the product - not the price - and he’ll leave you with the impression that the price is non-negotiable. No self-respecting salesman will tell you that you can bargain - it’s up to you to let them know that you’re in a mood to negotiate. So walk around with a ‘price resistance’ sticker on your forehead.
The most important thing you need to know is when and where you should bargain. You can’t bargain over a carton of milk at the supermarket - but you can negotiate over a crate of apples at the farmer’s market. If you can’t bargain for a car or a house, then take somebody with you who can just so you don’t give away the farm. Always bargain when buying Jewelry, furniture, appliances, oriental carpets and original art. If you’re remodeling - drive a hard deal with the contractor.
You can negotiate sales commissions on homes and interest rates on car loans. You can’t wheel and deal on your utility bills, but you can call up your phone company and see which long distance plan suits your needs because they won’t volunteer the information. If you don’t take the initiative, they’re not going to call you up and offer you a cheaper plan. And try to see if your cable company is willing to cut your some slack. They'll be happy to if you quote them a DISH Network price.
Same goes with your credit card company - you can knock off annual fees, late charges and you can even reduce the rate they charge you. If you find yourself in a tough spot with your credit, and you’re contemplating bankruptcy, be very tough negotiating new payment arrangements with your creditors. Threaten to declare bankruptcy if they don’t have the sense to offer you reasonable concessions - like 60 to 70 percent off the balance and a long term repayment plan at a reasonable rate of interest.
Always bargain when buying luggage and when you’re buying in quantity from a wholesaler. Work a deal with the guy you hire to chop down the old lemon tree or haul your junk to the dump. Even your plumber and the pest control guy are open to a little wheeling and dealing.
You can even work a deal with your veterinarian and your dentist might be flexible on dentures and root canal jobs. And if you’re uninsured, you can give and take with a hospital or a primary care provider. Even when can’t see straight, try to work out a deal with your optometrist. And don’t forget the lawyers - make sure you drive a hard bargain with them. They’ll fleece you for every dime you have so try to walk out of their offices with some change in your pocket.
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