How To Negotiate a Better Price — Even at Big Retail Chains
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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The art of negotiation seems to be a lost skill among many shoppers in the U.S. The only items many people typically negotiate prices for in the U.S. are cars and houses.
However, you might find more success than you think the next time you try to negotiate for a better price at some places. Even at big retail chains, you can often score a better deal than the price listed on the item.
Best Buy
If you’ve never tried to negotiate at Best Buy, now might be the time to start. In fact, according to Wise Bread, there are numerous ways to negotiate better prices at Best Buy.
First, try to go at the end of the month. Best Buy and other retailers give floor managers sales goals, so they’re more likely to give you a discount when the end of the month is quickly approaching.
You can also try to get freebies thrown in with your purchase. For instance, you could ask for a free bag when you buy a laptop.
In addition, you might find it easier to negotiate on open-box items and floor models.
Finally, don’t forget Best Buy offers price matching.
DIY Stores
You could try similar price negotiation approaches at DIY stores, like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
In addition to price matching, you could look at floor models and items with dings. You also could try to negotiate a better price by pointing out stocking and pricing errors — though results with this approach will vary.
Warehouse Stores
You may be surprised by the price negotiations you can secure at places like Sam’s Club, Costco, Walmart and Target. In addition, many people may not be aware of some of the membership benefits that come from warehouse stores, according to Real Simple.
A good tip at these places is to look for damaged items. You can also look for foods that are expiring that day. It can pay off to go talk to a manager and ask for a discount on these types of food items. According to Wise Bread, “Just like in the warehouse stores, Walmart and Target managers know that food that has reached its best-before-date is not going to be easy to sell.”
No matter what store or approach you take, keep in mind that a kind and sweet approach will likely get you a much better discount than trying to be rude and demanding.
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