Haggle Everywhere You Go
You can haggle at a flea market sure; but can you haggle a normal bill? In some cases yes.
Just last week I decided to cancel my cable. One, we’re moving, and I need a little extra cash. Two, we’re moving, and sooner or later, I’d cancel anyhow. Three, we just don’t watch enough TV to have cable. It’s an expense we don’t use. We have a DVD player and can watch movies.
I call up to cancel, and they ask why, so I say, “It’s just too expensive.” They immediately offer me a good chunk of change (well, dollars) off the monthly bill. That one I didn’t even have to haggle. I didn’t take them up on it, but it actually would have been a much better deal.
Also, I bring up haggling because I’m car shopping, and every single haggle so far has brought the price of my chosen car down - not down enough, but speaking up can save you cash.
If you want to haggle other places and with other bills try the following:
Ask: Sometimes asking will get you a % off a product. A cell phone, a couch, a TV, and so on. You never know. Many stores are willing to bring prices down from 10-15% if you ask - I’m talking stores that sell one item. If you’re haggling at Target, you won’t get very far, I’d wager.
Carry the newspaper: If you head out shopping, it’s almost a crime not to carry the paper, because many place match competitor prices. Even if they don’t say so, they want your business, and if you say, “I’ll go elsewhere” you may get the lower price.
Cell phone bill costs and credit card rates: If you’ve been with the same company for a while, and always paid on time, ask for a lower rate. My cell phone company did this for me.
Pay cash: If you pay cash, you’re in a much better position to haggle just about anything, and that includes HUGE ticket items like a house, car, even medical procedures. In most cases it’s a hassle and expense for companies to send you bills and keep track of your account. If you offer cash, you’re making it less stressful for everyone, so you can easily get a lower price.
Rent: Pay more all at once: Like other big ticket items, rent can possibly be lowered with cash up front or threats of a sort. For example, often rent will go up each year (which is lame, right?). If you can manage it,offer to pay six months worth up front, if the rent stays the same. This is a huge wad o’ cash to a single landlord. If you can’t pay up front, see if you can discuss how you’ve been a great tenant and would like to stay, but if the rent goes up, you’ll start looking elsewhere - yeah this is for brave people who may not mind moving, but I’ve heard of it working.
What else can you haggle?
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Tags: haggle costs, Haggle prices, how to haggle, keep bills low, pay less for items, Save Money, save more money
9 opinions for Haggle Everywhere You Go
Debbie
Aug 18, 2008 at 9:41 am
Yes! You are so correct. I am always amazed at what I can accomplish with a smile and a question. Last week I got a new transmission put in my van (135,000 miles) for 35% of the price because I asked nicely. Doesn’t always work, but it never hurts to try. Thanks for reminding us.
Katelyn Thomas
Aug 18, 2008 at 11:40 am
Just a heads up - I haggle at my Target all the time. I get as much as 30% extra off clearanced merchandise by offering to buy a whole Halloween floor display that is already drastically reduced (It helps to hear the manager say, “We need to get rid of this stuff so we have room for the Christmas tree display,” right beforehand…) or pointing out that the floor model piece of outdoor furniture is missing a throw pillow.
Jennifer
Aug 18, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Debbie - that’s cool. 35% is a big break, not bad for the asking.
Katelyn - that’s interesting. I had no clue you could haggle at a place like Target. Of course, I don’t shop there - I’ve banned them, but I might try it at other stores, if I saw something special to buy, like a display.
Peggy
Aug 18, 2008 at 1:15 pm
If you like the hotel rates on travelocity or expedia, but don’t like their terms, many hotels will match their prices without the terms the budget sites impose.
For example, I just got the Hard Rock Hotel booked for $217 one night and $249 the other nights while their rates on their website are $334 for the room I want. They matched travelocity for me.
Cherie
Aug 18, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I didn’t realize the cable company would try and give you dollars off to get you to stay. I’m going to call mine tomorrow.
Cherie
Aug 18, 2008 at 10:08 pm
P.S. Why is Target banned?
Jennifer
Aug 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Because they don’t like bloggers: http://www.brandcurve.com/target-dismisses-bloggers-customers-as-insignificant-irrelevant/ And I think that’s lame. Especially since that’s how I make a living.
FatSusie
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:13 am
Just a note about haggling rent - keep in mind that the landlord’s costs go up, which is probably why rent is going up. Especially nowadays, with the cost of heating oil through the roof, I’d urge STRONG caution on this tactic, or you may find yourself out on the street. It’s a lot easier for a landlord to find a new tenant than it is for you to pack all your stuff and move.
A better tactic would be to research rents in your area - if (and only if) your rent is on the high side, you could haggle it down to the going standard rate (and have your proof to show the landlord). Be prepared for the landlord to counter with any amenities you have (laundry on site, better security, newer updates).
An even better tactic is to barter for reduced rent. Agree to mow the lawn or unclog toilets for other tenants or something similar-replace a service that is pain for the landlord or that she has to pay someone else to do.
Great article, by the way!
DramaMama
Aug 22, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I’ve also seen friends haggle at other big chain stores - find an open box, the last one on the shelf, etc and ASK. It surprised me too! I don’t really go to them much but if I do I use that tactic. I’d also recommend asking for better insurance rates like you said in regards to credit card rates. Do some research - we found a less expensive local guy and one of the bigger companies gave us a better home insurance rate. Good advice! I hope no one forgets about garage sales…we’ve gotten some great deals just for asking, too!
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