How to Haggle and Negotiate Pricing When Making Big Purchases

I was a sales person working on commission for many years. Because I worked on commission my lively hood depended on making a sale. I was willing to give discounts and/or other discounted services to close the deal. Most commissioned sales people are willing to do anything to make a sale, especially in this struggling economy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Desire to Negotiate Pricing

1. Always be friendly, respectful, but assertive. Many people believe that being rude and aggressive will get you the best deal when haggling. But, in reality, being friendly and amicable makes people want to bend over backwards to help you. Kill them with kindness but be firm in your stance of getting better pricing.
2. Be willing to walk out the store if you don’t get the discounts you want. You can always return another day. I have gone as far as giving my name and number to a sales person. Then request a call if the item ever goes on sale or there is an over-abundance of inventory and a discount can be given. Doesn’t always work, but many times they will call you in a couple of days.
3. Look to cut corners in other ways. Suggest if you receive a price cut in you would be willing to pay cash, pick the item up yourself instead of having it delivered, or take the floor model.
4. Always ask the sales person if they work on commission. If they answer “No” then ask to speak to a manager. Sometimes a manager can give you a deal if you are persuasive in your agreement. I personally only like dealing with commissioned sales people because they have the most to gain by giving you a discount. Someone who is paid hourly usually could care less if you buy the product or not.
5. Lastly, do research and shop around. Know the fair market value of the product you wish to buy it makes negotiating that much easier.