The art of bargaining is just that- an art. And for those of us that like saving money it’s also an essential skill to have- one that comes into play when you shop at flea markets, yard sales, second hand shops, and other places we shop in order to get a great deal. And, when done right, bargaining can also be lots of fun! Having some tricks under your belt makes the process easier and will get you better results, so enough chatter! Here are some bargaining tips that will get you the best prices:
- Do your research. Know what things are worth, and decide how much they’re worth to you.
- Be friendly. The expression “You catch more bees with honey” applies to bargaining. Being demanding and aggressive will turn the seller off. Be polite and friendly and you’ll get much better results.
- Don’t be too enthusiastic. Play it cool- don’t let the seller know how badly you want the item.
- Be willing to walk away. The seller might accept what you offer rather than lose a sale.
- Know the right time. The best times for bargaining are at the beginning or end of the day, the end of the month, and at the end of a season.
- Work with cash. In some situations that’s all a vendor accepts. And always ask for a discount for cash- this means a better price for you, and savings on credit card fees for the vendor.
- Know how to start negotiations. Open with an offer that’s 25% less than the asking price.
- Ask for a manager. Make sure you’re talking to the person who can authorize a deal.
- Look for small defects you can live with. Then bargain down from the asking price.
- Ask for a deal if you buy more. Sellers might give a discount for a bigger sale.
Remember that there’s no shame in bargaining- in some cases it’s even expected! And like with most things, the more you do it, the better you’ll get, so have confidence and get that price down! There’s nothing like a great deal!
Do you have some smart bargaining tips? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Like this post? Sign up for our email newsletter so you never miss a money-saving tip!