ABCs OF HAGGLING

ABC's of Haggling

THE “B” WORD

I threw a question out to you in my last segment.   Do you remember what it was?   Since this installment of “Haggling ABC’s” leads us to “B”, I was wondering what words came to mind when describing some useful haggling virtues and assets.

Here’s what I came up with: boldness, brashness, bitchiness, boobs and balls.   I’m sure I could come up with many more; however, these were the first to come to mind.   These can be useful assets when it comes to haggling.   The trick is to know how to use them.   There is a time and place and a knack for “reading” your opponent to know when to use these assets.

Haggling requires some BOLDNESS.   You can’t be afraid to ask for a discount of some kind.   Being timid gets you nowhere.   Take a deep breath, muster up some courage and ask away.   Being bold is a must for every haggle opportunity.

BRASHNESS is probably a step down from bitchiness.   Sometimes giving the impression that you are throwing caution to the wind with your impudence can give you the upper hand.   Especially when your gruff exterior keeps your opponent off balance.   You have to play it just right with this tactic.   You go too far and you will have turned off your opponent and lose all your momentum that you gained.   Result?   No win situation for you.

Now, BITCHINESS.   That’s another story.   Be very careful with this one.   This is one tactic that is better left alone unless you feel very confident and secure that bitchiness will get you somewhere.   I, myself, rarely use this tactic.   Although, being a bitch does have its rewards in other areas...tee hee ;^)   I almost never come across the need to be bitchy in a haggle situation.   Bitchiness turns off most people; it just makes your haggle opponent more steadfast in NOT giving you what you want, even at their own loss.

BOOBS.   I guess this tactic does not need any explaining, but I will anyway. :^)   Sometimes, just having them (sorry, guys) gets you a better deal.   Again, some ladies just love to flirt and when you are haggling for a better deal and your male opponent seems “friendly” towards you - I say "SHOW.....AND GO FOR IT".   Innocent and friendly flirting is ok and even better when you walk out with a great deal on your purchase! Remember Julia Roberts in the movie “Erin Brockovich“?   Her boobs worked for her!

Ahh.....BALLS.   Here’s a good one.   Many women have them, we just don’t show them!   (you know who you are :^)   It’s our secret weapon, just like boobs.   And, boy, do we know how to use them!   In a haggle encounter, having balls goes a long way.   Just when your opponent is showing signs that you couldn’t possibly have a meeting of the minds in this haggle - THAT’S when you have to have the balls.   The balls to come out with your final, last outrageous counter offer AND your "seal the deal" comment, to boldly persuade them to make a deal with you.   It is risky.  It’s almost like “I dare ya.”   A slight gleam of admiration may just peek out of their eyes at your “ballsy” attempt to get what you want.   Sweet success may follow!

Keep on haggling and keep those haggling "assets" primed and ready.   Next segment in Haggling ABC’s leads us to the letter “C” - stop back to “C” what it’s all about!

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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