Who doesn’t love a bargain? But not everyone likes to ask for one! A Consumer Reports national survey of 2,000 shoppers reveals that only about half tried negotiating for various things in the last three years. But the Consumer Reports survey found that most shoppers who haggle get a better deal. Eighty-nine percent of those who tried haggling for all sorts of goods and services were successful at it.
Men enjoyed haggling slightly more than women did, but women were equally effective when they tried to bargain.
Consumer Reports’ survey found that furniture shoppers saved a lot, $300 on average. Doctor and dentist bills also came down $300 when people negotiated, though fewer people tried. And people who haggled for appliances saved an average of $200. Those who haggled over bank and credit-card fees saved an average of $100.
The survey revealed that the most popular tactic consumers used to get a discount was to simply tell the salesperson that they’re going to check a competitor’s prices.
Consumer Reports also says to research a fair price before you negotiate. The only way you find out what’s a fair price is to check online forums, to check fliers, or compare Web and in-store prices.
And Consumer Reports says it pays to be polite. Remember, you can catch more flies, and discounts, with honey than you can with vinegar!
