Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
When’s the last time that you thought about your ability to barter for a cheaper price? Believe it or not, it’s not a subject that many people actually think about. Imagine living in a world where we have the ability to barter and negotiate prices for almost anything? It’s a fun thought, right? While we truly aren’t that far from it, there are so many items that have some wiggle room in the price! Think of the things that you buy on a daily basis. Do you ever ask for a discount or a cheaper price? If not, it’s time to start!
Here are some tips on how to help you start to barter like a pro.
-
Do your research. When asking for a discount, it’s important to have a basis for actually asking for that reduction in price. Most stores or people won’t discount things just “because” BUT if you’ve done your research and found other sellers or stores that offer the same product for a different price, then you’ve put yourself in a good position to barter. Always have your proof with you, as verbal doesn’t go very far in the bartering world. Save the cheaper product on your phone, or print off the page that you found the better deal and have it handy for when talking to the salesperson or store manager. Once you ask for the discount, be patient to let them work through their response. Hold your ground and wait to see if they can meet or beat the price that you found elsewhere.
-
Don’t give in. If you want an item that you feel is too high, then you have to know when it’s time to fold in the bartering battle. Asking for a discount is fine, but if the answer you are given is no, then you need to be able to either hold your ground and ask again, or fold your cards and walk away. There will ALWAYS be sales or other times to get your item at a cheaper price, you just have to learn how to wait for those moments.
-
Ask for other options. If you find that bartering for a price isn’t working, ask if there are any coupons out there that you may be unaware of. This works, trust me! Many times store managers may not have the ability to discount items, but if you ask them if they have coupons, they have the ability to help with that! And sometimes, even the register clerks have a “standard” coupon that they keep and just scan if a customer asks if there are any coupons out there. When checking out, casually ask the person at the register if they are aware of any coupons out there circulating that you maybe have missed. What’s the harm? They may have a 10%, 15% or even 20% off coupon that they can use to help you!
-
Start low. Once you throw out a number and ask for a discount, you can’t change that number. Start low, and you can always go from there. If you know that you can get at least 10% discount, start by asking for a 25% discount and then work your way back to the 10% as needed. It’s a fine line to walk to not insult the person who may be selling the item, but also wanting to ensure that you are getting a great deal as well. Again, do your research and find comparable items that you can use as leverage.
-
Be personable! No one wants to give ANYONE a deal if they aren’t a nice person. We’ve all been there, right? The person who thinks that they are “owed” a better price or option? Don’t be that person. Be relatable, nice, and pleasant and that will go far in the bartering world.
When it comes to being able to barter like a pro, it takes some practice, patience, and persistence. Don’t always accept the first answer that you are given, but do your research on why you are refusing. Never enter into a negotiation unprepared as you have nothing to fall back on as proof of why you feel that the item should be discounted. Take your time, do your research, and have your “proof” with you on why that item should be cheaper. Then, be prepared to start bartering like a pro!
Susan Smith says
Great tips, I barter with a friend. She cuts my hair and I watch her dog when she goes on vacation.
Misty Eilar says
We do a lot of this with kids clothes. Due to when we had our kids they were 3 years apart and a friend had hers in between so it is musical clothes. We also switch off and on when needing a sitter.