5 Tips to Bargain Successfully While Shopping

Do you detest haggling when you’re out shopping? You're not the only one who feels this way. Politeness, warmth, and a smile are harder to reject than strong rhetoric, as savvy negotiators know. Shopping can be a lot of fun. It's difficult to resist the sparkling assortment of items. It's crucial, though, not to pay the first asking price.

Where the price of an item isn't predetermined, bargaining, or haggling, is expected. If you're a foreigner who hasn't done this before, you might be apprehensive about the possibility. However, rest certain that the sellers like it and look forward to it. The conversation breaks up their day's monotony.

Sure, with the current global scenario in perspective and the markets closed in conformity with social isolation norms, bargaining is out of the question since people are thronging virtual stores and virtual showrooms to purchase what they need. But this situation isn’t going to remain forever and once things normalize, the world may want to get down to business and start bargaining with sellers once again.

When it comes to purchasing products and services, some individuals are wary of negotiating. However, given the possible savings and the satisfying feeling of negotiating your way to a better price, it may be worthwhile to add haggling to your buying repertoire. So let’s check out a few tips which will help you ace the bargaining game!

1.     Be Discreet

Avoid haggling with a salesman in front of a big crowd of other customers. They'll demand a bargain if they hear you're receiving one. If a salesman knows they'll have to provide the same bargain to ten other customers, they'll be less willing to negotiate with you.

2.     Give Them an Incentive to Bargain with You

When you’re shopping online, you already get your desired products at a discount sometimes, but bargaining in person is tough. So, if you're buying a car from a dealership, let them know you'll be returning to them for repairs. If you're at a small hardware store, tell them you try to support local companies wherever possible. If a merchant has an incentive to give you a better deal, they are more likely to do so.

3.     Show Your Intelligence

Mention that you're an antique collector if you're bargaining for an antique. Even better, give the vendor some particular product expertise. You want to seem like a knowledgeable shopper. If the seller thinks you're a well-informed buyer, they'll probably be more eager to work with you.

4.     Be Aware of Your Body Language

When it comes to communicating, your body language and facial emotions are really important. Look interested enough for the seller to believe there's a chance of a sale so it's worth the effort to haggle, but not so eager that they'll assume you'll purchase regardless of their concessions. Be pleasant and smile, but be ready to walk away if necessary.

5.     Know What You Want

Bargaining success hinges on specificity. Never walk into a scenario intending to look around and pick something out on the spot before striking a good bargain. Before you leave the house, figure out exactly what you want, down to the brand, model, colour, size, and other details.

So, there you have it – 5 ways to bargain successfully and get the best deals. While virtual shopping has taken over the reins of retail from brick-and-mortar stores, shoppers are always interested in bargaining. Just the thrill of getting that price reduced is a rush in itself. So, follow these tips the next time you’re out shopping and you’ll see the difference!

All the best!