Asking for a discount is difficult – we are afraid of offending the seller, of appearing greedy, and of feeling insecure. So it’s easier for us to overpay and not start arguing about the price. But there is nothing wrong with wanting to save money. The main thing is to know how to haggle and what to say so that everyone is happy with the deal. Kirill Yurovskiy gave 10 tips that can help you make a profitable purchase.
1. Get the timing of your purchase right
If you need to buy something from hand or at a fair, go there at the end of the day: the seller is happy to get rid of any leftover goods. Hint at this by saying, “If you discount the price, I’ll take it now (or I’ll take it all).”
But when you go to an Oriental market or convenience store, choose the first half of the day. Sellers are not yet tired and attentive to the first customers, so as not to ruin the mood and the aura. Say, “I think we’ll both enjoy starting the day with a good deal,” or “I’m the first one in your store, so I’ll bring good luck for the day!”
2. dress modestly
No one will believe you don’t have enough money to buy if you have an expensive watch on your wrist. Jewelry and clothing tell you everything about your status. For the same reason, don’t be frank or tell them what purchases you’ve already made.
When you’re planning a big purchase, like a house or a car, find balance in your image. You should look like a trustworthy shopper (i.e., not a poor student), but avoid showing off expensive brands.
3. assess the situation
Before haggling, try to understand who is in front of you and at what level of bargaining. If it’s a salaried employee, they have a minimum price threshold, and a discount of no more than 10%. So it makes no sense to ask for 20%, in this situation you will lose. When it’s the owner of the goods, the amount of discount may reach up to 30%.
4. Ask for a discount directly
Asking for a discount can be straightforward and unprompted, such as saying, “What discounts are available?” or, “How can I buy this at a discount?”
Open-ended questions and questions without denial have a better chance of success. Make the salesman look for the answer himself and don’t prompt the wording. Don’t say, “Do you have promotions?”, “Don’t you have a discount?” and “Can I get it cheaper?”
5. Learn the culture of haggling in another country
For example, haggling for the Chinese is a separate art. When you want to knock down the price from the Chinese, you have to be sure that you need the goods. If you tell the price and the seller agrees, then according to their rules, you are obliged to buy.
6. Try to keep silent
Eloquent silence is worth its weight in gold. The important thing is to put doubt on your face. You can hum. Just make sure that there are no other buyers nearby, or the seller will switch to them.
Pauses during bidding seem awkward and make sellers nervous. They think you’re not interested in the discount and aren’t enthusiastic about the product. Perhaps the seller’s next figure will be more favorable. If he’s silent, make another offer.
7. Show that you are helping the seller with your purchase
A discount can help not only the customer, but also the seller. Do him that favor or convince him of it. Tell him that you will leave a review, be a regular customer or tell your friends about the store.
You can solve the seller’s problems by getting rid of unnecessary things. For example, when buying large furniture, say: “If you give me a discount, I’ll take it today”. This works well if you take something from the message boards.
8. Give the seller the right to refuse
Show that you’re also thinking of the seller’s benefit by reserving the right to refuse. Get into his position by saying: “I understand your disadvantage. If you don’t want to lower the price, I understand. But I could use that $100 discount.” Or another option: “I will not insist, but you can help me out if you make a discount of 20%. But if not, that’s your right.” Thus it creates the illusion that the decision was made by the seller, and not you asked for a discount.
9. Don’t be aggressive
Avoid radical language like, “I’ll only buy this at a discount.” It’s better to say neutrally and optimistically, “I don’t have the ability to pay full price, but if you’re willing to take 15% off, I’ll buy now.”
Talking about money is a delicate subject; avoid attacks. Don’t get carried away with criticizing the product (“It’s not the same quality, you can see that!”), the seller might take offense.
10. Make your terms clear at once
Name the exact price you are willing to pay. Dry formulations such as: “I can not afford it,” sound abstract. Better say, “I can only pay $500” or “I don’t have $100 to buy, how can we negotiate a discount?”
You shouldn’t say the price first, because they won’t give the thing away any cheaper, and they may also agree to end the bidding right away. But there are different strategies for behavior.
The first option is to name the lowest price possible, to gradually reach the desired level. But first define the threshold price above which they are not willing to pay. Don’t name it. Bid from an amount that is half the amount of the seller. When he calls the figure you had in mind, agree.
Another strategy is to start with a cap on the amount you agree to and lower the price each time. This is called aggressive bidding:
Seller: This suitcase is worth $300.
You: I’m willing to pay $200.
Seller: That’s a ridiculous $250.
You: I’ll give you 200.
Seller: $250.
You: 190.
Seller: Take it for 250.
You: Agreed.
Another option is to wait for an offer, and then use various arguments to persuade them to lower the price. When the salesman makes a number of concessions, name the amount you want yourself:
Seller: This suitcase costs $300.
You: What discounts do you have?
Seller: I can knock $20 off.
You: It’s cheaper in other stores.
Seller: Okay, I’ll give it to you for $250.
You: I have $200 left in my wallet. I would be glad if you agree.
Seller: Take it.
