When people think of haggling, they often imagine getting a “cheaper” deal at any cost. This mindset might stem from the online shopping world, where cheaper often seems better.

However, price is just one part of the deal. The reality is that the cheapest price often comes with compromises, like limited customer service or lower quality products. Yep, you get what you pay for.

So, what do we really want? It’s all about feeling like we got value.

How can we make sure we get value for our money? Here are some tips to make shopping enjoyable and rewarding:

Be Likeable

Take the time to get to know your salesperson, and let them get to know you. Building a temporary relationship makes them more likely to help you out. They might offer free delivery, a bigger discount, free gifts, or even more flexible terms. If you’re a faceless, personality-free customer, why should they bother?

We’re all more likely to help people we like, so be likeable.

Remember Your Manners

Salespeople often dismiss customers who are overly demanding. Being rude or aggressive won’t help you get a better deal; it might even work against you.

It makes sense: salespeople are people too. We all like to be treated with respect, so using your manners makes it more likely you’ll be shown mutual respect. A salesperson who respects you will do more to help you get a better deal.

Time Invested vs Time Wasted

The sales process requires time from both the buyer and the salesperson.

As a buyer, you don’t have sales targets tied to your time. The salesperson does. The more time they invest in you, the more they’ll want to close the sale.

For big purchases like cars, houses, or even major retail items, a salesperson who’s invested a lot of time in you doesn’t want you to walk away. The more time they’ve invested, the more you can negotiate to get what you want.

But don’t waste their time. If you’re not ready to buy, be upfront about it. Let them know you’re still deciding but need information. This way, they know how much time to invest and can meet your expectations without getting frustrated.

Find Their Sticking Point

Salespeople are trained to find your “emotional hot buttons” and press them. So, game on! Do the same to them.

Maybe it’s been a slow sales month, they have excess stock, or there’s a bonus-based promotion. Find their sticking point and use it to your advantage.

The news is full of stories about how tough the climate is for retailers, and sales staff are under pressure to make sales.

By being personable, polite, and taking the time to talk to salespeople, you’d be amazed at what they’ll reveal. They might tell you they’re behind on their sales target for the month. If that’s the case, they’ll be more likely to negotiate with you to make the sale.

Know What You Want
Before you even start talking to the salesperson, know what you want. Know how much you’re willing to spend and what other options would be valuable.

Knowing exactly what you want, being personable, and being polite will go a long way in getting you a better deal. Be smart, play nice, and reap the rewards.