Thrifty Bargaining My grandmother is the queen of bargaining. She used to take me to street vendors, asking how much something was. "Ten bucks." She would wear an expression of shock and disgust, then casually mention how much she was willing to pay. "I'll give you two." Then would ensue a mysterious bargaining process, in which the seller would enumerate the best qualities of the item in question, and my grandmother would tell him how she could get it for even just $1 elsewhere, especially when it was as worn as it was. By the end of it, the seller would give up, and my grandmother and I walked away with a new bag or shoes or vegetables, for $2.
I always admired her skill, and combined with that of other relatives, have found there are tricks to bargaining. And they really work.
1. It never hurts to ask. As long as you're polite, it's fair to ask for a discount. Even the poshest of stores will often be willing to give a discount for regular customers.
2. Ask when you buy multiples or find a flaw. Some stores have a set discount and rules when it comes to flaws. They might give you 20% off. But they might also not let you return or exchange it. Ask the salesperson also when you buy three tees if you can get a little off.
3. Find out about frequent purchaser discounts and cards. Sign up for mailing lists at stores you shop often - some send gift certificates and coupons by mail.
4. Shop around. You can't make a good bargain if you don't know what's available elsewhere. You might jump at the $10 sunglasses and then find them for $5 down the street.
5. When dealing with vendors, don't just offer a price you think you can get, or one that you think is reasonable. Go lower, and allow them to talk you up a little bit. Be patient, look around, tell them you think it's not worth an offer you're not willing to pay. They may lower the price with time if they see you want it but just won't pay that price.
6. Be willing to walk away. A seller will often lower the price just to keep a customer. After all, closing the deal is important. So if you just don't seem to be getting what you want, go elsewhere.
7. If you don't find a better deal, come back. A little humility is needed. If an honest salesperson says you won't find a better deal elsewhere, and you really don't, come back and let them know you're willing to pay their last offer.
8. Negotiate for freebies. When buying bigger items or even smaller ones, ask a salesperson to throw in something for free. If it's a car, ask for a free keychain or floormats. If it's shoes, ask for a free set of laces or polish. Be bold and not tentative. Most sellers are nice people, and they will try to accommodate you.