Score! There's nothing like the adrenaline rush of negotiating a great deal, whether you're hiding over the price of a used bike or making a low bid on the fixer-upper of your dreams. But there are deals and services that you may have ever dreamed of could bargain for. "Every service has a variable amount to be negotiated," says Patricia Seaman, senior director of Smart About Money, a nonprofit that educates consumers about personal finance.
The trick is to be polite but firm, and the right persuasion tactics, says Jennifer McDermott, consumer advocate for the personal finance website Finder.com. "Consumers should never be afraid to ask for a better deal. You need to talk to the right person and come armed with information, such as how much competitors are charging and whether they have a sale recently, "McDermott says. "McDermott advises you to always be discreet." "The worst that can happen is if you're told that you're successful. Do not ask for a deal in front of other customers, or when there is a long line of people waiting to talk with the salesperson.
Here are seven things you can get a better deal on if you sharpen your haggling skills.
New Car
When you're buying a new set of wheels, think of that price tag as just a starting point-making a deal is not possible, it's expected. Just do not let a charming salesperson throw you off your game or intimidate you. You can start by saying, "Let's save each other a lot of time, what is your best, bottom-line deal?" McDermott points out that in addition to cutting the price, extend the warranty, and give you a better deal on your trade-in.
Phone / Internet Service
You can find plenty of deals when you're setting up your service for the first time, but once it's time to renew, you may be shocked at how much the price goes up. You can use that to your advantage. "Once you sign up for a service, your provider will do anything to keep you as a customer," says McDermott. "If you say that you are going to switch to a different service provider, they will try their best to meet or beat that price, or a bundle for a better package."
Home Renovation
Depending on how your contractor is, he or she may be willing to cut a deal, says McDermott. "These businesses run on the word of mouth. If you're dealing with a lot of business, they're going to make a lot of money for it, and there's probably not much room to negotiate, "she says. "But if a company is fairly new, they will be willing to give you a better deal to create some buzz. Just make sure you're getting quality work! "
Weddings, Bar-Mitzvahs, and Other Catered Events
"Restaurants, catering halls, and deejays have to cover their operating costs so they can break even, but their rates are quite flexible," says McDermott. This is especially true if you're on an off-night or a month when they are otherwise slow or empty. "I would love to have an event here, but that's the way out of my budget." Can you do a little better? "
Refurbished or Opened Items
While you may know that you are in spying on Craigslist, you may not realize that you can also make a deal on refurbished computers and appliances. "Larger chains like Best Buy are going to negotiate the price of returned goods or opened boxes," says Daniel Duty, CEO of the negotiations firm Conlego.
Gym Membership
If you do not mind, it's a great deal to negotiate with your elliptical-you can negotiate a great deal. "They know you're going to walk out that door, and you're probably not coming back, and they desperately want you to sign," says McDermott. "The prices are quite fluid. There is always a corporate discount they can apply or a sale they can extend. And you can also negotiate about adding extra months, getting free trainer sessions, or paying month-to-month rather than annually. "
Credit Card Rates
If you play your (credit) cards right, you may never have to pay that annual fee that companies sneak onto your bill after the first year. "If you have good credit and are a loyal customer, you can always ask the company to lower your interest rate and reduce the annual fee or take it off altogether," says McDermott.
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