How to Bargain Even in a Large Retail Store
Many people are uncomfortable with bargaining, but there is really nothing to be afraid of – in the best case, you will save money, and in the worst case, they will say no to you, which simply confirms the price declared by the seller. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when trying to get a great deal.
Know where to bargain
You will be given more leeway to bargain in more informal places that allow you to negotiate directly with the seller, such as garage sales and flea markets, or pawnshops and thrift stores, or even Craigslist.
You can sometimes bargain with large retailers, but you will do better when it comes to high-value items like home appliances or electronics ( Consumer Reports study found that 59% of people tried to bargain on electronics at discounts, which on average were $ 84.). However, in situations like this, you may have to speak to a sales person, so it is best to try when stores are not busy. Plus, you need to make it profitable for the store – don’t expect discounts on low-cost everyday items unless the store’s policy does not allow price comparisons and you are armed with price comparison information from other stores.
Don’t be a jerk
Negotiations should not be adversarial. Remember that bargaining is talking about price and that you are not obligated to buy anything from the seller, and the seller cannot give it to you for less (or demand from you, for that matter). Emotionality or aggressiveness implies the obvious: you are uncomfortable negotiating and should not try to do so. A salesperson is much more likely to help you if you are friendly and considerate.
Do your research
If you don’t know what to buy, you won’t go far in asking for a discount. Personally, I like to look at things in a store before buying them, especially large electronics like a TV. But I won’t make any purchases until I read consumer reviews, compare prices and be sure I understand all the specifics of what I’m buying.
At the very least, you should determine what price you think is fair. This also applies to impulse retail purchases – a simple Internet search on your phone in line at the checkout line may reveal that a competitor is charging a lower price than the retailer can match.
Use cash
Since companies have to pay up to 3.5% fees for transactions using a credit card, they are much more likely to hide this amount if the transaction is paid in cash. And while this is technically illegal, the reality is that some small businesses also prefer discreet cash transactions. Also, do not underestimate the psychological power of a solid cash offer, as it signals that you are a serious buyer (a potential debit transaction does not grab the seller’s attention in the same way).
Ask for additional services
Sometimes the price of an item is simply not negotiable and the seller’s hands are tied. However, they can negotiate other value-added services to make the higher price more affordable, such as upgrades, free shipping, or free shipping. The trick is to ask before you verbally agree to a sale.
Get ready to leave
The salesperson will likely try your luck and refuse to negotiate if he decides that you are desperate to buy their product, so you want to show that you are ready to drop the deal. The real advice here is to truly believe that you’re ready to leave if you don’t get your desired price. Since buying can be an emotional decision, determine your outgoing price before bargaining.