Did you know in other countries negotiating on price is a way of life? You don't just go into the store, look at the price tag and decide if you want to buy it at that price. Instead you go down to the store, find an item you are interested, ask how much, and try to negotiate the merchant down. If you try to do this in America, you just get a weird look from the cashier who will then tell you that he or she doesn't have the authority to haggle, but it can be done, especially with larger purchases such as furniture and automobile. If they say they don't have the authority, ask for the manager who does have the authority.

First, tell them you have a limit. Let's say that you want to purchase a small appliance that's for sale and you have maybe $60 to spend. You ask how much it is, and they tell you $100. You can tell them that "50 is my limit." This will entice them to come down a bit to say $70, further negotiation will allow you to get it down to the $60 you wanted to spend. You have to give a little, and take a little when negotiating price. All big ticket items (anything more than $100) are negotiable. Sometimes if it's less than that it might not be worth your effort. You just have to find the person who can do the deal, don't accept that the cashier doesn't have the authority to do that, ask for the manager.

Secondly, keep your mouth shut. If you can get them to keep talking, they will keep trying to persuade you into buying the item from them, so they will believe that you're not buying their act, and will try to make the offer more enticing by lowering the price without you having to say anything. Just be very quiet, and ask a question here and there to let them know that you are listening to them.

Third, flinch. If they tell you a price that's too high, make a very obvious facial expression which shows disgust of the price, and then say that's too expensive. They will think that emotionally you have rejected their price and there is no way you will pay it. They will notice your reaction and drop down in price.

Finally, if you want a lower price, just say "that's not good enough." It's amazing how much this works on both the buyer and the seller. If someone is using this on you, just counter with "So" you know their game, and don't let them use this tactic on you!

Learn more about this author, Matthew Paulson.
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