16 Ways to Make Haggling Work for You

It happens in markets and stores all around the world. Buyers and sellers haggle over prices. Sometimes they succeed and a deal is struck. Other times, the buyer walks away empty handed.

Here in the States, dickering over a purchase is often confined to yard sales and flea markets. But, there's no reason that you can't apply your haggling skills to any potential purchase. Not only will you find that you get greater value for your dollar, but also you might decide that shopping is more fun with a little friendly negotiation.

Try these 16 ways to make haggling work for you:

1. Research before you shop. Know something about the manufacturer, product, and competing products. Decide in advance which features are important to you.
   
   
2. Have a target price. Know what other stores charge for the same or similar items. Decide on a good price before you begin negotiations. Aim for a great price, but know what price you'd be willing to accept.
   
   
3. Don't insult the seller. You can make an offer that's so low that the seller thinks you're not serious. That will shut down negotiations before they begin.
   
   
4. Be willing to hear "no." Not every attempt to haggle will be welcomed. Sometimes you'll be rebuffed. Don't take it personally. You haven't lost anything by trying.
   
   
5. Look for damage. Whether it's clothing or a refrigerator, even minor damage should mean a lower price.
   
   
6. Don't be desperate. Don't allow yourself to fall in love with an item before you begin to haggle. A desperate buyer has few tools to motivate the seller.
   
   
7. Have cash in your pocket. Using cash to pay for your purchase adds about 1% to the seller's profit margin. Let the seller know that you're willing to pay cash.
   
   
8. Timing is everything. Most sellers are more willing to deal when an item is going out of season, out of style, or out of model year. If you can help the seller reduce unwanted inventory, you can increase the value of any offer you make.
   
   
9. Timing is everything (part 2). The calendar can be your friend. Sometimes salespeople or a store are under a monthly quota. There may be other financial advantages for them to complete a sale this month, so deals may be a little sharper near the deadline.
   
   
10. Make it easy on the seller. You'll have more leverage if you're ready to take possession now and take the item with you. Let the seller know that's your plan.
    
    
11. Find a willing partner. If a salesperson tells you they cannot change prices, politely ask if there's someone in the store that can. A manager or storeowner might be just the person you need to negotiate a deal.
    
    
12. Help the salesperson to like you. Treat them with respect. Compliment them if they deserve it. They'll cut a better deal with someone they like.
    
    
13. Change the subject. If you can't haggle on price, perhaps you can get an accessory thrown in or free delivery.
    
    
14. Be willing to ask for help. Sometimes it will seem like you don't have enough money to get what you want. Tell the salesperson what you want and ask if there's any way to get it. They might share a creative solution.
    
    
15. Be prepared to walk. Walking away from a salesperson is a great motivator. Often you'll hear them come up with one last offer.
    
    
16. Keep it light. Haggling isn't warfare. If you approach it with a sense of humor, the salesperson is likely to join you. Two people having fun haggling are more likely to come to a mutually agreeable price.

Gary Foreman is a former financial planner and purchasing manager who currently edits The Dollar Stretcher.com website and newsletters. He's been featured in MSN Money, Yahoo Finance, Fox Business, The Nightly Business Report and he's a regular contributor to US News Money and CreditCards.com. You can follow Gary on Twitter or visit Gary Foreman on Google+.

Discuss "Haggling for a Better Price" in The Dollar Stretcher Community

Share your thoughts about this article with the editor: Click Here

Copyright 1996 - 2013 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.

Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
941-761-7805

"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.

Also In This Week's Issue

• Don't let bill errors empty your wallet
• Try again: 6 tips for relisting an unsold home
• Does a commercial range belong in a home?
• 7 travel insurance tips for hurricane season
• How to handle your parents moving in with you
• 7 tips for renters
• 9 reasons your credit card was declined
• Filing Ch. 7 on your own? Avoid these mistakes
• How to pay debt while improving credit score
• Avoid making this common investing mistake
• Life insurance from marriage into midlife
• Affordable life insurance after 50? Or 60?

In The Dollar Stretcher Community

• Free water! Using a rain barrel
• Homemade smoothies

Reader Favorites

• Cleaning fiberglass showers
• Grandma's beauty secrets
• Why use a pressure cooker
• Make money at the farmers market
• Easy desserts