8 tips to hone your haggling skills OR 8 ways to piss off CSRs

[Crazedclerkthe2nd]

http://consumerist.com/2013/07/10/8-...ggling-skills/

I won't go through them all, but a few are classics I know we are all familiar with:

1) Don't be afraid to make good on the "I'm never shopping here again!" threat

2) Search out flaws on the product and demand discounts because of them

3) Don't talk too much. Make the seller think they've upset and/or offended you so they may come back with a better deal to make up for it.

I admit that these techniques can be useful in some instances. Buying something on craigslist for example, but IMO haggling in a retail store is a really bad idea.

[Andara Bledin]

It's worth noting that the article states outright that most retailers will be deaf to any attempts to haggle, instead suggesting that one do so with larger purchases that are actually somewhat traditionally haggled over, such as appliances, furniture, or even medical care. I can say for certain that I have gotten slightly better deals for all of the above by asking if the vendor could lower their price in any way.

I suspect that Internet/Cable coverage might be lumped in with Cell phone plans, and I've tried to negotiate better contracts on all of those, as well. The same goes for auto rentals. I'd be surprised if most of us haven't done similar.

As for the tips:

1) Sound and reasonable.
2) Sound and reasonable (and something people often forget)
3) Sound and reasonable. Note that it states that the threat to walk away should be a plan, not a bluff. And if you can get a better deal elsewhere, it should be a plan.
4) Sound and reasonable, particularly in relation to the market mentioned; real estate.
5) This is important. Particularly in markets with more arbitrary pricing.
6) An adjunct to #4. Don't be the anxious one.
7) As long as you aren't the cause of the flaw.
8) Sound and reasonable.

I work in an industry where negotiating prices is not at all uncommon. We get too many people who fail to have anything for #2 at all. And #3 is 99% of the time a bluff, and it gets called pretty much all the time. #5 would be nice from more people (target prices are useful to both sides); the "well, can't you do better" people with no give and no target are annoying. We've had people who didn't observe #6, and it tells us that we're in a stronger position than they'd like us to know. And #8 has been successful more than once, as well, because it's true that the fees are baked into the prices because it's against the TOS of most of the card providers, and is actually illegal in at least 8 states in the US, to do otherwise.

[s_stabeler]

a) it does say that most places will not ahggle- that's an improvement over trying to haggle even when it makes little sense to be able to

1) makes sense- it's basically saying you should try haggling with a doctor/lawyer etc. How do yuo think insurance companies get a better deal than uninsured people? by asking for a disocunt.
2) is bascally trying to see if guaranteed repeat custom is worth a discount. I'd say that as long as you accept the answer "we don't care" then it's not an issue
3) is actualy saying that the threat to go elsewhere should be serious. ( I.E. you have shopped arund, and know where you will go if you walk away) That's no bad thing- it's actualyl a good idea with cell phones, as you'd be surprised what companies will do to match a competitor's offer.
4) is mostly relevant to buying houses, and is a good tip.
5) is a good idea- basically, decide on the price you are willing to pay, beung willing to walk away if thye will not sell it for that price

[HYHYBT]

Adding on to #1 what should be obvious, but isn't going to be for many of their readers: the time to haggle over professional services is before, and ONLY before, you've received them.

[s_stabeler]

not nessecarily- you don't really have any opportunity to haggle with a hospital before treatment. (and you should at least scruitinse the bill- there can be some massive errors) It's true you should haggle at the first opportunity to, however. (the hospital case is pretty much unique)