ABCs OF HAGGLING

ABC's of Haggling

DO YOU NEED AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT?

I consider ATTITUDE to be the first and foremost important rule of thumb for any haggle endeavor.    Without the proper attitude you can say goodbye to any chance of a win/win situation.

You should always be prepared for a haggle opportunity and when one does arise; the right attitude will always start you off on the path of success. What’s the right attitude?

Let’s say you are in a store and while you were browsing, you come across an item that you are interested in buying.    You look at the price and decide that is NOT what you are willing to pay.    As you walk around the store, check out where the store clerks are and let them notice you walking around and browsing.    More times than not, one of the clerks will ask if you need assistance.    At that time, you can reply “Yes” and take them to your “selected” item and ask them if the price is correct on the item.    They of course will say yes.    You can say “Oh” (with a little bit of disappointment in your voice).    Hopefully, at this point, the clerk may offer some bit of information about any sale or deal going on with regard to that item.

However, each situation will vary.    It depends on what kind of store you are in; large store in a mall, a smaller store in strip mall, or maybe a local, small storefront in your neighborhood.   That’s where your skill comes in at accessing the advantage you have whether or not to deal with the clerks.    It’s almost always better to deal directly with the manager and/or owner of the store.   They are in a much better position to haggle with you and make decisions on the final price.

But, no matter what kind of store you are in, your attitude will always work for you if you approach every clerk/manager/owner with a smile.    Follow that with a polite and courteous manner when asking about the price.    Always display a respectful attitude toward that salesperson; you never know if this is the person with whom you will be haggling.    And even if he/she is not the one making the final decision about your price, they very well may be the one that goes to bat for you with their manager or the owner!

Staying calm, driven and flexible is always a good guideline.    You want your item; the merchant wants their price.    Keeping the pleasant, respectful attitude will allow the merchant to acquiesce to your “charming” demands.    This way your attitude not only helped you secure your item(s), but allows you to return again to that store for another haggle opportunity.    Of course, let some time pass before trying to haggle again in that store.    After all, you want the owner to welcome you back; not avoid you every time you come into their store.

Remember that haggling has become a lot more socially acceptable, especially in this economy where consumers are spending cautiously on their purchases.    Until next post, keep on haggling!    Next chapter of ABC’s of Haggling leads to “B”.    What “b” word comes to your mind when describing some useful haggling virtues and assets?......Boldness?   Brashness?   Bitchiness?   Boobs?......how about Balls?    All of these are useful.....and I’ll tell you how and why in my next post.

Want to share some of your haggle stories here?    Have a question about a haggle disaster or an upcoming haggle?    I’d love to hear about it!    Shoot me an e-mail at contact@mywherehaus.com and I’ll post your stories or questions here, if you like.    Together we can hone your skills and come out winning!    Thanks!

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