Haggling is back with a vengeance
A recent Consumer Reports poll found that more than 66 per cent of consumers have tried to negotiate for a better deal in the past six months, and most of those who haggled were successful.
83 per cent negotiated better deals on hotel rates, 81 per cent reduced their cell phone bills, 81 percent went home paying less for clothing and 71 per cent were successful getting discounts on electronics and furniture.
Haggling over price is no longer reserved for car lots and jewelry stores, you'll find people haggling at major retailers like Home Depot or Best Buy, and even Costco. For some people though, haggling doesn't come easy.
Anyone who took Marketing 101 will tell you that the goal of marketing is never to give the customer two equal choices and have price become the point of differentiation ... but that's not your problem.
If you want to snag a bargain, CR advises, be sure to:
Time your haggle. Late in the month, when salespeople are trying to meet their quotas, can be a good time to bargain for big-ticket items. Evening or early hours are usually less busy, so clerks have time to talk.
Avoid an audience. Haggle out of earshot of other customers. Sales clerks don’t want everyone else in the store asking for a deal too. Keep in mind that at chain stores, salespeople often don’t have the power to offer a discount -- look for a manager or supervisor instead.Do your research. Check prices and store policies. Bring any Web printouts, flyers, and newspaper ads with you to back up your claim, particularly if a local competitor is selling the item for less. The store might be willing to match your best quote. If you can’t get a price discount, ask for free shipping, delivery, or installation instead.
Offer to pay cash. Merchants don’t like to pay transaction fees to credit-card companies. Such fees are about two per cent for larger retailers and easily three times that for small ones.
Be prepared to walk. The most persuasive weapon you have in your haggling arsenal is your ability to walk away and spend your money someplace else.
Tell us: How are you when it comes driving a hard bargain?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Reka | Oct 7, 2021 9:48:15 AM
I love to haggle, and it doesn't bother me one bit to ask " So what can you do for me on the price?". The thing is to be informed, know what you want, if you can educate yourself about the product, and do some research on pricing. From buying a new car to electronics, competition for your business is out there, there is always wiggle room on price.
Posted by: Dan | Oct 7, 2021 6:54:16 PM
So true, but we still see people making stupid offers that you know they will not get anywhere else, be reasonable, we do want your business but not at a loss!
Posted by: J Steed | Oct 10, 2021 10:26:59 AM
I find haggling degrading. If I don't like the price, I go somewhere else or don't buy it.
Posted by: Nick | Oct 12, 2021 11:19:27 AM
i went to Best Buy near the end of September & haggled just under $500 off of a 50" Plasma, Stand, Calibration Package & Home Theatre Protection bar......i would say that was worth be "degrading" as some have put it. Took my spouse out for a REALLY nice Dinner / Date night with the savings.
Posted by: Brian Elwin Pomeroy | Oct 25, 2021 3:39:16 AM
Back and forth twice, then warn you going in the other direction. Do not smile.