Haggling – it’s not just for cars and homes
by FrEiBeRgS2002 on Nov.28, 2008, under On the News..., Save a buck!
Salons are one of many places consumers can try to haggle for a better deal.
BAY AREA (Bay News 9) — When most people think about haggling, they think of homes or used cars.
However, consumer experts say that, in tough economic times, price-tag negotiations don’t have to be limited to those big-ticket items.
Consumer trends expert Audrey Guskey says, these days, the stigma of bargaining as something done only by cheap people is fading.
“I would say every type of product is fair game,” she said. “There’s really not anything that you can’t bargain for.”
For instance, the mall is one place to try haggling. Guskey says, when asked, many managers will discount products up to 20 percent.
Another tip is to request the coupons reserved for the store’s best customers.
“You may not be a credit card customer of theirs, so you may not have the coupon, but a lot of times if you ask them, they’ll use it,” she said.
Shoppers can also save on services, such as trips to the salon, where they can ask for a discount on a manicure.
Phone companies may also provide cable and Internet services. People who use all three services from one provider should ask for a cut rate.
“I lowered my phone bill by at least $40 a month,” said consumer Heidi Berkley.
Even doctors may make a deal. Guskey says patients shouldn’t feel bad about bargaining on health care or cosmetic services not covered by your insurance.
“What does it hurt to say, ‘You know what, this is coming out of my pocket. Can you cut me a break? Is there a way I can get a discount?’” she said.
This tip worked for Sandi Hughes, who negotiated the price of giving birth before she had her daughter.
“I learned to look at bills like I was car shopping again,” she said. “This is the sticker price; it’s not necessarily what you have to pay. It’s what they are hoping you pay.”
Hughes talked her obstetrician’s price down from $3,000 to $1,9000. She also saved $500 on her anesthesiologist.
Finally, Guskey says consumers can also ask retailers to give them a discount of 15 to 20 percent if they buy a large quantity of one product. Or, buy a floor model or display sample – most managers will discount the last product if it is out of the packaging.
