ABCs OF HAGGLING

ABC's of Haggling

DO YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK?

This segment of ABC's of Haggling takes us to "D" and that stands for "due diligence". The thing about haggling is you don't have to be an expert to do it. If you're not that comfortable about haggling, well, that's ok. The important thing is just to be diligent about it! Don't give up!

A good haggle doesn't necessarily mean a big score for you. Even a little discount or freebie is enough for a good haggle. If there was ever a time when discounts and/or freebies can be had, this is it! And if you don't know how to haggle, now's the time to learn. But, be diligent.......practice makes perfect. And if it's not perfect, so what......that's not a requirement. Whether you're buying a high-ticket item like a computer or shopping at your favorite store or just buying a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop, haggling can happen. Businesses want your business, which means your dollars, especially in these hard times when most businesses are struggling to stay open.

Most of all, don't get discouraged. Treat the next haggle as a form of entertainment! It's fun to see if you can get something taken off the price. You'll enjoy your item so much more if you walk away with it costing you less.

Due diligence is the care one takes before engaging in a haggle and before entering in an agreement with someone. This also helps to protect you and the merchant so that you both end with a fair and reasonable outcome. Know yourself. Know how much you are willing to spend on a certain item. Know how much the item really costs - check the price at other stores and on the internet. See if the item is offered anywhere else for a lesser price. Knowledge is your bargaining tool. Make sure you know about the item that you want to purchase. Is it brand new? Is it used? Does it have any defects or marks on it? How much are you willing to offer for the item with or without defects?

Make sure you have a price limit set in your head. Know the highest price you would pay for the item and stick to it! Also know that you can walk away. There's always another item that you'll want and another haggle in your future!

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!

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