ABCs OF HAGGLING

ABC's of Haggling

ARE YOU A HAGGLER?

Haggling is an art; an art that can be learned.  If you’re lucky enough to be one of those who can haggle naturally and fearlessly at a drop of a hat; give yourself a pat on the back and know that you are the envy of many.  Haggling could be in your blood; I’m not kidding!  Try and stop yourself when you see an opportunity to haggle…..can you do it?  Not easy, is it?  I know this because I can’t pass up a chance to haggle, especially when I’m in the mood to test out a new approach to my haggling.

You see, every minute of everyday always brings about haggle opportunities right before our eyes.  We just have to be on the lookout for them and learn to recognize the signs.  That’s where the advantage comes in for the natural, “in your blood” hagglers.  They use every opportunity that comes before them and they never let one slip by!  After all, how else do you hone your skills?

Everyone, at some point in their lives, has probably haggled; some without even realizing it.  How could someone not know that they just haggled?  Well, if you have a very cooperative contender, aka: merchant/owner/store mgr/whomever; they almost always “help” you pay less!  Yes, that’s right – whatever their reason, they “help” you to pay less.  When that happens – haggling is smooth and quick with very little interaction on your part.  I love when that happens.

Haggling takes many forms and has many different results.  That’s the thrill for me.  Not knowing how it will turn out and the challenges along the way.  Adjusting and adapting my tactics at a moments notice based on the responses I get from my “opponent” is fun for me.  Take note, though, it will always remain fun for me because whatever the outcome, I’m ok with it.

There is a fine line when it comes to haggling.  When you pass that fine line and start caring too much about the outcome; you can lose your edge.  Losing your edge is never a good thing.  Not only will you become a poor haggler, but you will also become a poor loser!  You might wind up being a very cranky, obnoxious “has-been haggler”!  No one wants to do business with that person.  You’ll be burning your bridges behind you.  Burning your bridges is never a good thing.  A smart haggler knows that all too well.  You never know if and when you will have another opportunity to haggle in the same place, with the same person.

So, check back often, because I will be bringing you new advice and helpful tips!  Next post we will get on with the ABC’s of haggling starting with Attitude!

Remember, drop me an e-mail at contact@mywherehaus.com if you would like to share a haggle story of your own.  I would love to hear about it

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