6 Keys to Successfully Negotiating for a Better Price

Do you feel comfortable negotiating for a better price on something or do you avoid negotiations altogether? Some people have a natural ability to negotiate and haggle for certain things, while others would prefer to just pay the sticker price and walk away. Even if the skill of negotiating doesn’t come naturally to you, there are situations where you need to be a good negotiator or you’ll end up paying a very high price. Whether you’re buying a used car or shopping at a flea market, there’s usually an opportunity to get a lower price on the item you have your eye on!

Here are six keys to successfully negotiating for a better price:

1. Be courteous. Nobody wants to work with someone who is rude and obnoxious. If you want to get a better price, you have to be in a positive negotiation mode. You can be assertive without being rude, and you may need to practice if this doesn’t come naturally to you.

2. Let the seller know the item’s just out of your budget. Conveying interest in an item and telling the seller that the price is just slightly out of your budget can encourage negotiations, especially if the seller is keen on selling the item as quickly as possible. Let the seller know that you simply can’t afford the item at the stated price, but are very interested in making a purchase today.

3. Shop on a Friday or a weekend. Some of the best deals are offered right before the weekend or a major holiday. Retailers and independent sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price during these times, so don’t be afraid to postpone that purchase until a later date. Timing your shopping trip could make a big difference in the price you end up paying for your items.

4. Don’t name a price. Many people sell themselves short when they are negotiating. Avoid the temptation to offer any price at all, and let the seller come up with a new price. In many cases, people simply offer a price that they think is “very” low, but the seller could probably have gone lower. Don’t name a price until it’s clear that the seller couldn’t possibly go any lower.

5. Ask about existing discounts. Find out if the seller accepts AAA discounts, offers discounts to seniors or offers any other type of discount that you may be eligible for. Simply inquiring about a discount can make it easier to get a lower price, and negotiate a little more if needed. Be aware of the seller’s general policies so that you really are getting the best price.

6.  Negotiate for paying with cash. Some sellers are more likely to reduce the price if you are willing to purchase the item with cash, upfront. For some sellers, this eliminates some risk. They don’t have to worry about a check bouncing or pay for credit card processing fees.

From shopping on the right day to being courteous, there are several things you can do to negotiate for a better price. Use these six negotiation tips to get a lower price on that item you have your eye on.