How to Haggle for Lower Prices
by Ruby Hawk on Jun 26, 2008 with 21 Comments
With slow sales and tightening credit, many retailers will be willing to negotiate with you for lower prices.
In these days of high prices we are looking for ways to save our money and make it go further. With sales off retailers may be ready to strike a deal with you in order to move their merchandise. You will be surprised at how many stores will lower their prices if you ask. You might feel uncomfortable asking the store to lower their price on an item that is in perfect condition, but don’t be afraid to haggle. It comes down to one question: will you give me a lower price? The worst they can say is no.
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Lower-Priced Clothes
It’s a buyers market now in clothing. Winter sales were the worst in years. You can get a better bargain at single brand stores such as Gap by pointing out how long the item has been on the rack. Discount stores such as Kohl’s and Target will respond if you let them know other discount stores have a lower price.
How to Prepare to Pay Less for Clothing
Weekdays and mornings are the best time to haggle. Make your offer 10 to15% lower than any price you have checked. Store personal are more likely to work with you if the store isn’t full of customers. If a sales person says she can’t help you, ask to speak to the manager.
What to Say
“I would like to have these shoes but I just saw them at Target for ten dollars less. I had rather finish my shopping here, would you match that price?
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Appliances
Be friendly with the sales person. On big-ticket items she gets a commission no matter what you pay. Remind the sales person that she doesn’t want you to walk away empty handed and have another sales person get the commission.
How to Prepare to Buy a Large Appliance
Price shop online using search engines like PriceGrabber and point out the lowest prices you found there from big name retailers. Call two local stores for their prices. Aim for 15 % less of the lowest price you find.
What to Say
I like this washer dryer combo but they cost more than I want to pay. Can you give me a better price? I found this set from your competitor for less. Can you match that price?
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Credit Card
It cost card issuers about $300.00 to obtain a new customer so they had rather keep you if possible. They had rather give you a lower interest rate than lose your business. So don’t be afraid to ask. You may have to talk to a supervisor who can meet your terms.
How to Prepare
Collect two credit card offers that come in the mail. Use BankRate’s Credit Card Rate Search tool to find the best rate for someone with your credit standing. Use the lowest rate you find (or lower) for your opening offer.
What to Say
My rate is too high. Can you lower it? I have been a credit card customer for 10 years and I would like to keep using it but I have a couple of better offers. Can you help me or may I talk to your supervisor?
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Cars
Automakers are working like crazy to make sales these days and dealers expect you to haggle. Only a few cars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid go for the sticker price. You might get the best deal negotiating by e-mail. If you want to do it in person, here is the best way.
How to Prepare
Look for (manufacturer’s suggested retail prices) at sites like Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book. Print what you have found and take it to the show room. Check dealerships’ websites for their on-line price quote. Then start e-mail negotiations with an internet manager. When you talk face to face, take your research.
What to Say
Dealer: We are prepared to sell this car to you for $20,130.
You: Actually I was thinking along the lines of $18,000.
Dealer: I can’t go that low. We pay the manufacture $19, 900. I can go a little lower though. I can do $19,800
You: I had two on-line offers, both for $18,500. I’d like to buy this car closer to home but I’ll need you to meet their offer.
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Published in: Personal Finance
Arie Uittenbogaard | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
This is one of the most original articles I’ve seen here. Thanks. Great ideas.
jvb | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
thanks for the great info:)
nobert soloria bermosa | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
thanks for the advice Ruby,
Glynis | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
I am not a haggler normally but I have found that it is expected in Cyprus when sales are low, we just got a good deal on a tv by doing as you suggest and saying it is cheaper down the road. Great advice in this article others should follow the tips given and pick up a bargain. Well written thanks.
valli | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Great ideas.
Moses Ingram | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Very good ideas, but I’m not great at haggling. My daughter-in- law is best haggler I’ve ever seen, so maybe I’ll take her shopping with me.
Jared Stenzel | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Great! I just don’t get the car one. They paid $19,900 for the car so if they sold it for $19,800 wouldn’t they be losing money?
PR Mace | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Good article. I have haggled over cars and stove. I am really good at talking a saleman down on a new car. You are correct. Always know what you are talking about. Do your research. I never thought about haggling over clothes. I will give it a try. Thanks Ruby, that was a well written and well research article.
Ruby Hawk | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Thanks to you all for taking time to stop by and leave your comments. I truly do appreciate your interest and your time.
Jared, that was just an example but I doubt if the dealer would tell you the exact profit line anyway. Remember they want all of your money they can get.
Moses, I am not a good haggler either but like you I have a daughter-in-law who is a natural, and my better-half is pretty good too. I have made some good deals myself but they are better.
I find if you hang in long enough the sales will usually go through and if it doesn’t you haven’t lost anything by trying.
Liane Schmidt | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Wow, I didn’t even realize you could do that in stores. I knew you could do that at flea markets, but not at established stores. Great tips!
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
william rodriguez II | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Nice article,thanks for the advice.
tracy sardelli | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
Excellent article, thank you for the advice..
Amos | Jun 28, 2008 | Reply
These are some good tips Ruby, I’ve used some of them but I didn’t know about the clothing. I’ll try it next time i clothes shop.
Alexa Gates | Jun 28, 2008 | Reply
great ideas… i would like to add that you can ‘haggle’ a jeweler to lower a price on a peice of jewelry by 100ish dollars by sayting that you’ll pay about 200 less for an item… but the people at Kohls never give me discounts on anything even if you try what you said…trust me i have
Anne Lyken-Garner | Jun 29, 2008 | Reply
A very good idea. Thanks for the very helpful tips Ruby.
salvatore | Jun 29, 2008 | Reply
well written, great ideas, thank you.
Ruby hawk | Jun 29, 2008 | Reply
Okay, so we can add jewelry to the list. We can continue with many more things I’m sure. Probaly anything we buy can be haggled down. It’s worth trying.
Catherine South | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
I only haggle at flea markets, honestly never thought to ask for a lower price in a store… Nice tips
Lucy Lockett | Jul 6, 2008 | Reply
I wish I was a haggler!
Ruby Hawk | Jul 13, 2008 | Reply
Catherine and Lucy, Try it a few times and it grows on you. The first few times are hard but then you get in the groove and you look for chances to haggle.
Autumnrose | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
I wish I could haggle, but I’m way too shy! Well, maybe I’ll drum up some courage soon and give it a try. Might be a good idea for a cash-strapped teenager!
https://www.triond.com/users/Autumnrose