14 tips to help bring down the price

Asking for a discount is difficult – we are afraid to offend the seller, seem greedy and feel insecure. Therefore, it is easier for us to overpay and not start disputes about the price.

But there is nothing wrong with wanting to save money. The main thing is to know how to bargain correctly and what to say so that everyone is happy with the deal.

1. Choose the right time to buy

If you need to buy a thing from the hands or at the fair, come there at the end of the day: the seller is happy to get rid of the remaining goods. Hint at this with the words: “If you throw off the price, I’ll take it now (or I’ll take it all).”

But, when you go to the oriental market or to a shop, choose the first half of the day. The sellers are not tired yet and are attentive to the first buyers so as not to spoil the mood and aura. Say, “I think we’ll both be happy to start the day with a good deal” or “I’m the first one in your store, so I’ll bring good luck for the whole day!”.

2. Dress modestly

No one will believe that you do not have enough money to buy if you have an Apple Watch on your wrist. Jewelry and clothes tell everything about the status. For the same reason, do not be frank and do not say what purchases you have already made.

When planning a major purchase, such as a house or a car, find a balance in the look. You should look like a trustworthy shopper (i.e. not a poor student) but avoid showing off expensive brands.

3. Assess the situation

Before bargaining, try to understand who is in front of you and at what level the bargaining is taking place. If this is a hired employee, then he has a minimum price threshold, and a discount of no more than 10%. Therefore, it makes no sense to ask for 20%, in this situation you will lose. When it is the owner of the goods, the discount can reach up to 30%.

4. Ask for a discount directly

You can ask for a discount directly and without any reason, for example, say: “What are the discounts?” or “How can I buy this at a discount?”.

Open-ended and non-denial questions are more likely to succeed. Make the seller look for the answer himself and do not prompt the wording. Do not say: “Do you have promotions?”, “Do you have a discount?” and “Can it be cheaper?”.

5. Tell us about your situation

Show that you really need a discount. So the seller will have a reason to help. For example, say that this is the last money or the monthly spending limit is running out.

Another option is to say that they dreamed of giving this thing to someone, but there was almost no money left. If you are making a purchase abroad, you can refer to the end of the holiday.

The main thing is not to overdo it with pity. The seller does not need to know in detail why you need the product. When you don’t know how to delicately describe your circumstances, say: “You will help me out a lot with a discount.”

6. Learn the culture of trading in another country

For example, bargaining for the Chinese is a separate art. When you want to bring down the price from the Chinese, you need to be sure that the goods are needed. If they named the price, and the seller agreed, then, according to their rules, you are obliged to buy.

7. Try to be silent

Eloquent silence is worth its weight in gold. The main thing is to portray doubt on your face. You can snort for a long time. Just make sure that there are no other buyers nearby, otherwise the seller will switch to them.

Pauses during trading seem awkward and make sellers nervous. They think that you are not interested in the discount and are not passionate about the product. Perhaps the seller’s next figure will be more profitable. If he is silent, make another offer.

8. Show that you are helping the seller with your purchase.

The discount can help not only the client, but also the seller. Do him a favor or convince him of it. Say you’ll leave a review, be a repeat customer, or tell your friends about the store.

You can solve the seller’s problems by getting rid of unnecessary things. For example, when buying large-sized furniture, say: “If you give me a discount, I’ll pick it up myself today.” This works well if you take something on Avito or Yulia.

9. Leave the seller the right to refuse

Show that you also think about the benefit of the seller, while retaining the right to refuse. Enter into his position by saying: “I understand that it is disadvantageous for you. If you don’t want to lower the price, I understand. But this discount of two thousand would help me. Or another option: “I will not insist, but you will help me out if you make a 20% discount. But if not, it’s your right.” This creates the illusion that the seller himself made the decision, and not you begged for a discount.

10. Give up aggression

Avoid radical wording: “I will only buy this at a discount.” It’s better to say neutrally and optimistically: “I can’t afford to pay full price, but if you’re willing to drop 15%, then I’ll buy now.”

Talking about money is a delicate topic, avoid attacks. Do not get carried away by criticizing the product (“So-so quality, you can see it!”), The seller may be offended.

11. Speak for both parties at once

To show the seller that you are on one with him, use plural pronouns more often. Instead of, “I want to talk about a discount,” say, “It would be great if we could negotiate a better price.” This will create a search for a compromise rather than an argument.

12. State your terms right away

Name the exact price you are willing to pay. Dry formulations like: “I can’t afford this” sound abstract. Better say: “I can only pay 2 thousand rubles” or “I don’t have enough 1 thousand for the purchase, how can we negotiate a discount?”.

You should not be the first to say the price, because the thing will not be given cheaper, and they can also agree immediately and end the auction. But there are different strategies of behavior.

The first option is to name the lowest possible price in order to gradually reach the desired level. But first, define a price threshold above which you are not willing to pay. Don’t call her. Bid from an amount that is half the amount of the seller. When he calls the number that you intended, agree.

• Seller: This suitcase costs 5,000.

• You: I’m willing to pay 2,500.

• Salesperson: This is ridiculous. 4500.

Another strategy is to start with the maximum amount you agree to and lower the price each time. This is called aggressive trading:

• Seller: This suitcase costs 5,000.

• You: I’m willing to pay 4,000.

• Salesperson: This is ridiculous. 4500.

• Seller: Take it for 3,500.

Another option is to wait for an offer, and then persuade them to lower the price with various arguments. When the seller goes forward several times, name the required amount yourself:

• Seller: This suitcase costs 5,000.

• You: What discounts do you have?

• Seller: I can throw off 500.

• You: In other stores, such a suitcase is cheaper.

• Seller: Okay, I’ll give it for 4,000.

• You: I have 3,500 left in my wallet. I will be glad if you agree.

• Seller: Take it.

13. Be indifferent

Do not show that the product is needed. Do not say: “I really need this”, “I only found this at your place”, “I haven’t seen anything like this anywhere”, etc. But in the same way, do not make a complaint about the product.

Show restraint and show disinterest with the phrases: “I have not yet decided whether I need it”, “No offense, but I’m not sure yet.” So you’re just stating facts, not convincing.

Show hesitation, for example, by shifting from foot to foot, clutching one bill in your hands, or looking towards the exit.

If you can’t hide emotions, then it’s better to express your attitude not to the product, but to the price. Say that you can’t afford it or that you will be scolded at home for an expensive purchase.

14. Don’t be afraid to end the auction early

Say: “We’ll have to go look at other options.” Don’t be afraid to pretend you’re leaving the store and don’t plan to return.

If you’re ashamed to leave or don’t have the courage, take a friend with you. Let him persuade you to go further. This motivates the seller to make another offer.

Sellers don’t like to lose customers. But if that’s the case, maybe you’ll have better luck elsewhere. And to return for the goods later, if it is really needed, no one will interfere.

Read: 35 ways to teach you how to save money