Negotiate and SAVE!

Everything is up for negotiation. This is good to remember when you're trying to save money. You can make out with some good deals if you just ask. Before entering into negotiations, keep these things in mind:

• Be patient and be on the look out for items you want to buy.
• Have cash on hand and ready to go so you can take advantage of opportunities.
• When negotiating a purchase, be sure you are negotiating with the decision maker. Employees may not care if you purchase the item or not.
• Don't get emotional about the purchase. Keep your game face on!
• Replicate their behavior.
  • If they are excited and energetic, then you be excited and energetic.
  • If they are quiet and reserved, then you be quiet and reserved.
  • Mirroring their behavior creates a bond and a comfort level.
  • This works with all forms of communication.
• The first offer you get is typically the list price. That doesn't mean it is the final price.
• Ask, "Is that the best you can do on this?” If you get to the point where they won't lower the price, consider asking them to throw something in, or bundle your purchase with other items.
• Be Silent.
  • Don't negotiate with yourself.
  • People get uncomfortable with silence.
• Barter. Consider the services or products you offer. Can you barter for each other's goods, which reduces your costs for the item?
• Have walk away power; keep time on your side. This gives you all the control and puts the ball in their court.
  • This is where most people fail in negotiations, they reveal their emotion, get attached to the item and can't walk away from it.
• Always understand that another deal will come up. It may seem like it's a once in a lifetime offer, but that usually is the emotion talking.
• Giving the negotiations time can create urgency with the other party involved.

Negotiation like anything takes practice.