This story further supports several of my negotiating beliefs that everything in life is negotiable, if you dont ask, you dont get, silence is golden and keep asking for more.
I hate face-to-face negotiations. So, in the past, Ive paid full price for items that Im sure I could have gotten for less, simply because I dont like asking for discounts. Recently, however, I managed to make two rather significant purchases, and I negotiated lower prices for both.
Here is how the first negotiation played out.
I purchased a new grass trimmer from a large retail store. After deciding on the model that I wanted, I asked to speak to the head of the outdoor power equipment section. (Im not sure what his official title is, I just know he works with the outdoor power equipment.) I told him exactly which model I wanted to buy, and I told him that I was ready to by, that day, but that I didnt want to pay full price. At first, he mentioned that I could get a 10% discount, if I would only apply for a store-branded credit card. I explained to him that I had cash, and that I do not use credit cards. I then stopped talking and just waited to see what he might say.
At first, he didnt say anything, and then he decided to speak to his manager. I assured him that I would wait for him to return, and he headed off to have a conversation. A few minutes later, he returned, and offered me a 10% discount, no credit application necessary. At this point, I almost went forward with the buy, but I really wanted to test my negotiation skills. So, I simply asked, Is that the very best you can do? (This is an old negotiating tip, and one that many others have used for years. For me, this was a first. Seriously, I do not like face-to-face negotiations.) He found his manager again, returned, and told me that the absolute best he could do would be a 15% discount. Not wanting to push things further, I accepted his offer, made my purchase, and now Im enjoying my new grass trimmer.
Now, Im sure that some of you out there are better at negotiating discounts than I am. Ill freely admit, Im usually a pushover. So, the 15% discount, while nothing spectacular, was pretty major for a guy like me, who usually avoids the negotiation process all together.
Try it. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.