It is difficult to ask for a discount - we are afraid of offending the seller, appear 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 the desire 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. Before you buy, Choose the right time of purchase
If you need to buy a thing off-hand 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 will take it now (or take everything)."
But when you go to the oriental market or the shop-shop, choose the first half of the day. 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 both will be pleased to start the day with a good deal” or “I’m the first in your store, so I’ll bring good luck for the whole day!”.
2. Dress modestly
No one will believe that you don't have enough money to buy if you have an Apple Watch on your wrist. Jewellery and clothes tell everything about the status. For the same reason, don't be frank and don't say what purchases you've already made.
When planning a major purchase, like a house or car, find balance in your look. You should look like a trustworthy customer (i.e. not a poor student) but avoid displaying expensive brands.
3. Assess the situation
Before you bargain, 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 product, the discount can be up to 30%.
4. Ask for a discount directly
You can ask for a discount directly and without any reason, for example, say: "What discounts are there?" or: "How can I buy this at a discount?"
Open-ended questions and questions without denial have a better chance of success. Make the seller look for the answer himself and do not suggest the wording. Don't say: "Do you have any promotions?", "Do you have a discount?" and "Can I be cheaper?"
5. Tell us about your situation
Show that you really need a discount. This gives the salesperson a reason to help. For example, say that this is the last money or the limit on monthly expenses 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 shop overseas, you can refer to the end of the vacation.
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 a lot with a discount."
6. Explore 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 of a Chinese, you need to be sure that the product is needed. If they named the price, and the seller agreed, then, according to their rules, you must 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 chuckle long. Just make sure there are no other buyers nearby, or the seller will switch to them.
Pauses during bidding seem awkward and make sellers nervous. They think you are not interested in the discount and not passionate about the product. Perhaps the next seller's number 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 such favour or convince him of it. Tell them you will leave a review, be a regular customer, or tell your friends about the store.
You can solve the seller's problems by eliminating unnecessary things. For example, when buying large-sized furniture, say: "If you give a discount, I'll pick it up today."
9. Leave the seller the right to refuse
Show that you also think about the seller's benefit, while retaining the right to refuse. Enter his position by saying: “I understand that it is not profitable for you. If you don't want to lower the price, I will understand. But these two thousand discount 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 - your right. " This creates the illusion that the decision was made by the seller himself, and not you begging for a discount.
10. Refuse aggression
Avoid radical wording: "I will buy this only at a discount." Better to say neutrally and optimistically, "I don't have the option to pay full price, but if you're willing to drop 15%, I'll buy now."
Talking about money is a delicate topic, avoid attacks. Do not get carried away with criticism of the product ("So-so quality, you can see it!"), The seller may be offended.
11. Speak for both sides at once
To show the salesperson that you are on the same page, use plural pronouns more often. Instead of "I want to talk about a discount," say, "It would be great if we negotiate a better price." This will create a search for compromise, not dispute.
12. Indicate your conditions immediately
What is the exact price you are willing to pay? Dry formulations like “I can't afford this” sound abstract. Better say: "I can pay only 2 thousand rubles" or "I do not have enough 1 thousand for a purchase, how can we agree on a discount?"
It is not worth saying the price first, because the item will not be given away cheaper, and they can also agree immediately and end the auction. But there are different strategies for behaviour.
The first option is to name the lowest price possible to gradually reach the desired level. But first, determine the threshold for the price above which you are not willing to pay. Don't name her. Bid for half the seller's amount. When he gives the number you were thinking, agree.
Salesman: This suitcase costs 5,000.
You: I'm willing to pay 2,500.
Salesperson: This is ridiculous. 4,500.
You: I give 3,000.
Seller: 3,500.
You: I agree.
Another strategy is to start with a ceiling you agree to and lower the price each time. This is called aggressive trading:
Salesman: This suitcase costs 5,000.
You: I'm willing to pay 4,000.
Salesperson: This is ridiculous. 4,500.
You: I give 3,000.
Seller: 4,000.
You: 2,000.
Seller: Take it for 3,500.
You: I agree.
Another option is to wait for the offer, and then persuade them to lower the price using various arguments. When the seller meets several times, name the amount you need yourself:
Salesman: This suitcase costs 5,000.
You: What discounts do you have?
Seller: I can fold 500.
You: In other stores, such a suitcase is cheaper.
Seller: Okay, I'll pay 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 it”, “I found it only with you”, “We have never seen this anywhere”, etc. But in the same way, do not claim the product.
Show restraint and show disinterest with phrases: "I have not yet decided whether I need this", "No offence, but I'm not sure yet." So you're just stating facts, not convincing.
Show indecision, for example, shifting from foot to foot, clutching one bill in your hands, or looking towards the exit.
If emotions are not hidden, then it is better to express the attitude, not to the product, but the price. Tell them that you cannot afford them or that you will be scolded at home for an expensive purchase.
14. Do not be afraid to end the auction ahead of time
Say, "I'll have to go look at other options." Do not be afraid to pretend you are leaving the store and do not plan to return.
If you are ashamed to leave or lack 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 miss out on buyers. But if that happens, you may be more fortunate elsewhere. And no one will interfere with returning for the product later if it is really needed.
