I've haggled down the price of everything from rent to dental surgery, and I have 6 tips for anyone who wants a better deal (2024)

Ever since I finished college in 2003, I've had a side gig buying and selling merchandise both locally and online. I've flipped thousands of items over the years, and my extensive experience trading both online and in person has taught me a lot about the strategy and etiquette of price negotiation.

Here are six lessons I've learned that can help you score a great deal.

1. Be friendly, but firm

DO play nice. Hollywood glorifies sales and marketing as the domain of smooth-talking, cutthroat hustlers bent on stealing your shirt — but while high-pressure bargaining tactics may seem charismatic or charming on the big screen, they don't translate to everyday life. You'll be better served by good manners and a few kind words. Be polite, stay positive, and remember: The more pleasant you are to work with, the more deals you'll get done.

DON'T be a pushover. Being polite doesn't mean being overly accommodating, however. You don't owe it to anyone to accept a bad deal for courtesy's sake. Set your terms and stick to them. If you can't reach an agreement, then so be it. Failing to close a deal is not a breach of etiquette, so you shouldn't take it personally if you and the other party don't see eye to eye.

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2. Be perceptive, not presumptuous

DO be mindful of context. Attitudes about haggling vary culturally, regionally, personally, and situationally. For example, I find folks in Seattle less comfortable with price negotiations than the Michiganders I grew up with, and I generally get more traction naming my price at a local swap meet than at the mall. Pay attention to how your haggling attempts are received. If someone seems reluctant to negotiate, respect their stance and carry on.

DON'T make assumptions. Haggling may work even in circumstances that are typically non-negotiable. For example, I've haggled over the cost of retail goods at big-box stores, monthly rental payments, compensation for a delayed or oversold flight, and even dental surgery during a time when I didn't have insurance. Use your judgment to decide where you feel haggling is or isn't appropriate, but to quote hockey legend Wayne Gretzky: You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

3. Know more, pay less

DO research the market. Seek out comparable items for sale to establish a baseline price and assess your options. You'll have more leverage if you can get a similar deal elsewhere, and less if the deal in front of you is unique. Either way, use that knowledge to hone your offer and, when possible, look at selling prices rather than listing prices to get a clearer sense of fair market value.

DON'T mistake similar for equivalent. Look for differences between available items and the one you're eyeing, like the model number and specifications, subtle wear that might diminish the value, or accessories that might augment it. Account for costs like taxes and shipping, and consider external factors like time, distance, and convenience. If you have to drive an extra hour to save $10, that's not really a better deal.

4. Be frugal, not cheap

DO bid to your advantage. Start by offering less than you're ultimately willing to pay — or as a seller, list items for sale above the minimum you'll accept. Your first offer may be accepted, but if not, you'll still have room to negotiate below your ceiling. Conventional wisdom says naming a price first puts you at a disadvantage, but that's only a concern for high-stakes negotiations; I wouldn't sweat it when you're buying a coffee table off Craigslist.

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Also, price isn't the only variable in play. All aspects of a transaction are open to negotiation. If you're in a position to offer other favorable terms — like your own muscle or vehicle to move a heavy piece of furniture — make that clear from the start to help your offer stand out.

DON'T blow a good deal looking for a better one. When you're presented with a strong offer, take it. Trying to chip away at a favorable deal leaves the door open for someone else to swoop in, and make your opportunity their own. Best to complete the transaction and let good enough be good enough.

DON'T give lowball offers with little chance of success. That tells the seller you're not serious and starts off negotiations inhospitably. Before you name a price, consider whether you would accept the same amount if the roles were reversed. If the answer is a resounding no, then your offer probably isn't reasonable.

5. Act decisively, not hastily

DO strike while the iron is hot. Nothing pleases me more as a seller than a buyer who offers to pay cash and close a deal quickly. I'll happily lower my asking price if it means moving an item now rather than the possibility of getting top dollar later. Cash talks, and expedience is an asset, so employ both when possible.

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DON'T rush. While you should act quickly to secure a true bargain, you shouldn't feel compelled to act when you're uncertain. Silence your FOMO and ignore any pressure tactics applied by the other party. Trust your gut, and for the sake of your own inner peace, try not to doubt yourself once you've made a decision.

6. Set limits, not limitations

DO have a plan. Figuring out what you're willing to pay ahead of time will help you stay on budget. It also frames the negotiation so you can bid strategically. When you've exhausted options and can't reach a satisfactory deal, a take-it-or-leave-it offer at your limit is an effective final bargaining strategy, since it puts the decision on the other party. If that fails, be willing to walk away.

DON'T be a robot. Price negotiation is a dynamic process, and you'll miss opportunities if you dogmatically adhere to one course of action just because it's what you decided on beforehand. Your plan should exist to serve you, not to inhibit you.

For example, I have a friend who only brings the exact amount of cash he's willing to spend when he negotiates. That sounds like a prudent way to avoid overspending on the surface, but it's really a hindrance. What if a seller is stuck on a price negligibly above the amount you're carrying, or if the item you want turns out to be in better condition than you thought? It's better to keep your options open and leave yourself room to maneuver.

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This article was originally published in November 2021.

Peter Rothbart

Freelance Writer

Peter Rothbart is a credit card connoisseur and award travel guru based in Seattle, Washington. A former aerospace engineer and long-time touring musician, he now covers a wide range of topics from business and personal finance to art, sports, and human interest stories. When he's not writing, Peter can often be found planning his next adventure, raking in poker chips at Las Vegas casinos, or crushing the dodgeball courts of the Pacific Northwest.

I've haggled down the price of everything from rent to dental surgery, and I have 6 tips for anyone who wants a better deal (2024)

FAQs

How to politely offer a lower price? ›

Top eight phrases to use when negotiating a lower price
  1. All I have in my budget is X.
  2. What would your cash price be?
  3. How far can you come down in price to meet me?
  4. What? or Wow.
  5. Is that the best you can do?
  6. Ill give you X if we can close the deal now.
  7. Ill agree to this price if you.
  8. Your competitor offers.
Jun 15, 2022

What percentage should I haggle? ›

Based on your pricing homework, you should have a good idea of how much you're willing to pay. Begin by making an offer that is realistic but 15 to 25 percent lower than this figure. Name your offer and wait until the person you're negotiating with responds.

Are dental bills negotiable? ›

Dental negotiations = savings

Ask your dentist why you need a specific treatment, and whether there is another way to address the problem. Got cash on hand? See if you can get a 10% or more discount if you pay up-front for the treatment.

How to haggle respectfully? ›

Mastering the Art of Negotiation: 9 Rules of Haggling
  1. Everything is negotiable. ...
  2. Make a deal and get small stuff thrown in. ...
  3. The bigger the deal, the more bargaining you can do. ...
  4. Getting a bargain without lowballing. ...
  5. Do your homework first. ...
  6. Be willing to walk away. ...
  7. Don't let the seller know how bad you want something.
Jun 13, 2023

How to ask for a reduction in price? ›

You should open a price reduction negotiation with the acknowledgement of the deal currently on the table. Acknowledge your willingness to reach a final offer and state what it will take for you to get a deal that you deem to be acceptable. Stay confident, stay calm, and make sure you express yourself well.

How to ask for a discount politely? ›

What to do: Be direct. "I need to cut expenses, and I'm not happy with what I'm paying for my cable service. Do you have any promotions right now?" If you don't make any headway, tell the customer service rep that you're a loyal customer but your friend has a better plan with another company.

What is the first rule of haggling? ›

1) Never speak first.

This is perhaps the most well known of negotiating tactics, if you can, have the other guy go first. Those who would advise a more aggressive and manipulative strategy will say that it's a good power play.

When should you not haggle? ›

You're not supposed to bargain if an item has a price tag, nor should you bargain in a restaurant. Do not haggle for items from local cooperatives as many of them have fixed prices which makes it unsuitable to bargain.

How to lower a dentist bill? ›

How Can I Reduce My Costs for Dental Care?
  1. Ask Your surgeon if They Offer an In-House Membership Plan. ...
  2. Sign Up for a Dental Plan Through Your Employer. ...
  3. Dental Savings Plan. ...
  4. Affordable Care Act. ...
  5. Dental HMO Plan. ...
  6. Veterans Benefits. ...
  7. Do Your Research. ...
  8. Create an Emergency Dental Fund.
Jun 18, 2024

Are dentists overcharging? ›

Our investigation also found that some dentists are 'gaming' - maximising their profits by exploiting NHS trusts and charging patients too much. Root canal treatment is a long, expensive process but under their contract NHS dentists are legally obliged to offer this work to NHS patients.

Can I barter with the dentist? ›

1 By definition, bartering means to trade goods or services without the exchange of money. 2 Dentists may engage in this practice when patients wish to undergo needed dental care and have a service to offer in exchange for that care.

How to haggle without being rude? ›

How to Haggle in 10 Easy Steps
  1. Always tell the truth. Keep your character intact, people. ...
  2. Time it right. The end of the day is a great time to get your haggle on. ...
  3. Ask for a discount. ...
  4. Use the power of cash. ...
  5. Use your walk-away power. ...
  6. Know when to be quiet. ...
  7. Say, “That's not good enough.” ...
  8. Let them know your budget.
Jul 11, 2023

How low should I haggle? ›

Wait for their response rather than forcing the negotiation yourself. Always ask for more of a discount than you'd be happy with, as you're more likely to end up with a compromise somewhere in the middle that's closer to what you were after. For example, if you're looking to get 10% off, ask for 15%.

How do you politely make a low offer? ›

Winning Strategies for Lowball Offers
  1. Find Out the Seller's Motivation.
  2. Write a Clean Offer.
  3. Always Counter the Counteroffer.
  4. Divert Attention Away From Price.
  5. Give a Logical Reason Why Your Lowball Offer Is Fair.
Jan 24, 2022

How do you politely negotiate an offer? ›

Here are eight tips for how to negotiate a salary that can help you tactfully and confidently ask for what you want.
  1. Become familiar with industry salary trends. ...
  2. Build your case. ...
  3. Tell the truth. ...
  4. Factor in perks and benefits. ...
  5. Practice your delivery. ...
  6. Know when to wrap it up. ...
  7. Get everything in writing. ...
  8. Stay positive.
Dec 4, 2023

How do you make an offer less than the asking price? ›

Can You Offer Less on a House? How To Lowball and Negotiate Like a Pro
  1. Offering less on a house. ...
  2. Stay updated on current market conditions. ...
  3. Be respectful of sellers. ...
  4. Have your agent contact the listing agent. ...
  5. Have your financing in order. ...
  6. Eliminate as many contingencies as possible.
May 20, 2024

How do you respond to a customer asking for a lower price? ›

7 tips for dealing with discount requests
  1. Understand the reason behind the price negotiation request.
  2. Communicate the value of your product.
  3. Make your offer time-sensitive.
  4. Ask for something in return.
  5. Give a reason for saying no.
  6. Sweeten the deal.
  7. Set up a call for a later date.
  8. “How much of a discount were you thinking?”
Nov 11, 2022

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