Haggling over price is a tradition as old as shopping itself. For many, it may seem intimidating or uncomfortable, but it is actually a common part of the market experience. Being able to negotiate price in a friendly and respectful manner can help you make good purchases without it feeling stressful for either party. Here is a guide to how to successfully haggle over price so you can get what you want for the best possible price.
1. Start with Preparation
Before you even start your negotiation, it's important to be well prepared. Do some research beforehand so you know what the type of item you're interested in usually costs. This will give you an idea of what a fair price is and what you can expect to negotiate for.
Preparation is also about having the right attitude. It helps if you have cash with you, as many sellers are more likely to negotiate when they can get cash in hand right away. It also gives you a certain amount of flexibility that you don't have if you can only pay by card.
2. Be Kind and Show Interest
When approaching a seller, it’s important to start the conversation in a friendly manner. Negotiation doesn’t have to be confrontational – in fact, it’s best if it feels like a conversation. Start by showing interest in the item. For example, ask about its history, how it’s made, or why the seller is selling it.
Showing interest and being curious about the seller creates a good atmosphere and opens up a positive negotiation. Remember, people are more likely to be flexible with the price if they feel they have a good relationship with you.
3. Ask for a Discount Instead of Suggesting a Price
Instead of immediately suggesting a lower price, you can start the negotiation by asking if the seller is willing to give a discount. You can ask something like, "Is there a possibility of a small discount on this item?" This gives the seller a chance to make a suggestion and you avoid underbidding too much from the start.
The seller may either offer a discount or tell you that the price is fixed. If the price is fixed, you can consider whether the item is still worth buying. If you get a discount offer, it is a good starting point to start negotiating further.
4. Make a Realistic Counteroffer
If the seller's discount doesn't meet your expectations, or if you want to start the negotiation from a lower starting point, you can make a counteroffer. When doing so, however, be realistic - a good counteroffer is often around 70-80% of the original price.
For example, if the item costs 300 kroner, you can suggest 220-240 kroner as a reasonable counteroffer. Also, please explain why you are suggesting this price, for example: "I like the item, but my budget is a little lower. Can we meet around 230 kroner?"
5. Use Volume Discounts to Your Advantage
If you've found multiple items you'd like to buy from the same seller, it's a good idea to use volume discounts as a negotiating tactic. Sellers are often willing to offer a better price if they can sell multiple items at once. For example, you might say, "If I take these three items, can we find a combined price?"
Volume discounts can be a win-win situation where you get more items at a lower price while the seller gets to sell more. It's one of the best ways to secure a good deal.
6. Be Ready to Walk Away
One of the most effective negotiation techniques is to show that you are willing to walk away if the price is not right. If the seller will not lower the price to a level that is acceptable to you, you can politely thank them for their time and move on. Many times, the seller will call you back and offer a better price when they see you are about to leave the booth.
Walking away shows that you are not desperate and that you are willing to look for a better deal elsewhere. This can often be what prompts the seller to lower the price.
7. Continue to Be Polite and Respectful
No matter how the negotiation goes, it's important to maintain a polite and respectful tone. If you get the price down to what you wanted, remember to thank the seller sincerely. If you don't succeed in getting the price down, still show respect for the seller's time and thank them anyway.
Haggling isn't just about saving money - it's also about creating a good atmosphere and appreciating the person you're dealing with. This way, you'll not only get a better price, but also a more positive experience.
8. Take it as part of the experience
Haggling over price is part of the market experience and can be both fun and satisfying when done right. While you won't always get the price you want, it's a chance to practice your negotiating skills and become better at reading the situation.
Don't take it too personally if the negotiation doesn't go your way – and remember that sometimes the price may already be good enough. Enjoy the process, and remember that markets are as much about the experience as they are about making a good deal.
