Comments on: Negotiate Once, Save Thousands Every Year http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/ personal finance that makes cents Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:18:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: ajmartin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127569 ajmartin Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:29:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127569 These are all excellent points but from the other side of the counter, I would like to make a few points. I sell jewelry, specializing in estate jewelry. I try to price my things fairly and do not factor in an automatic 20% discount because some people never ask for the 'best price' and why should they pay more than others? In newer rings, I use very good stones - a diamond of x size is not necessarily the same thing as the diamond of the same x size. So pay attention to advice #1. Surprisingly, a lot of people who shop with me don't seem to realize that they are getting a very fair price on a diamond with a lovely antique mounting essentially free. The internet didn't let them know that mountings have value too. And it doesn't let you know about all the basic scams out there. So know what you are actually purchasing, Don't spend more than you are really really comfortable with and shop locally so you have someone to go back to . Oh, I am a fatty and don't really mind it. And if you pay attention to #1, the rest follows These are all excellent points but from the other side of the counter, I would like to make a few points.

I sell jewelry, specializing in estate jewelry.
I try to price my things fairly and do not factor in an automatic 20% discount because some people never ask for the ‘best price’ and why should they pay more than others?

In newer rings, I use very good stones - a diamond of x size is not necessarily the same thing as the diamond of the same x size.

So pay attention to advice #1.

Surprisingly, a lot of people who shop with me don’t seem to realize that they are getting a very fair price on a diamond with a lovely antique mounting essentially free.
The internet didn’t let them know that mountings have value too. And it doesn’t let you know about all the basic scams out there.

So know what you are actually purchasing, Don’t spend more than you are really really comfortable with and shop locally so you have someone to go back to .

Oh, I am a fatty and don’t really mind it. And if you pay attention to #1, the rest follows

]]> By: JLP’s Roundup - April 11, 2008—AllFinancialMatters http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127345 JLP’s Roundup - April 11, 2008—AllFinancialMatters Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:14:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127345 [...] has some negotiation tips. - I could have used this information the first time my wife and I bought a car. It was not a fun [...] [...] has some negotiation tips. - I could have used this information the first time my wife and I bought a car. It was not a fun [...]

]]> By: SavetotheFuture http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127072 SavetotheFuture Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:45:37 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127072 As with anything else, negotiating takes practice. If you are dealing with a salesperson, remember that they probably have training that might give them a slight advantage. Because of this, it is good be prepared before going in, and know what your strenghts and weaknessess are when negotiating. I really like tips #8, and #11. Try not to make an emotional decision and choose your words carefully when negotiating. As with anything else, negotiating takes practice. If you are dealing with a salesperson, remember that they probably have training that might give them a slight advantage. Because of this, it is good be prepared before going in, and know what your strenghts and weaknessess are when negotiating.

I really like tips #8, and #11. Try not to make an emotional decision and choose your words carefully when negotiating.

]]> By: Jeff http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127071 Jeff Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:26:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127071 I don't really like to get all lawyerly out here on the interwebs, but point no. 8? "[R]emember that any offer made to you remains legally valid and can be accepted the next day (unless otherwise specified)"? That may be the law in your state, but it is not the law in my state. All I'm saying is, don't hang your hat on it. If that's the law where you are, that's great, but I wouldn't plan to use that as a negotiating tool without doing some research first. I don’t really like to get all lawyerly out here on the interwebs, but point no. 8? “[R]emember that any offer made to you remains legally valid and can be accepted the next day (unless otherwise specified)”? That may be the law in your state, but it is not the law in my state.

All I’m saying is, don’t hang your hat on it. If that’s the law where you are, that’s great, but I wouldn’t plan to use that as a negotiating tool without doing some research first.

]]> By: Jason http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127063 Jason Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:58:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127063 Heidi- Telling people that there's a website to help them stop being fat is not meant to offend, but I know it does for some people. For others, it is brutal honesty. The statement was not made to any one person in particular though, but more towards the culture of fat people that we Americans are becoming (more honesty here). Thanks for your input. Jesse- Agreed. I think the ability to walk away (other choices) is the single most powerful tool in any negotiation. Heidi-

Telling people that there’s a website to help them stop being fat is not meant to offend, but I know it does for some people. For others, it is brutal honesty. The statement was not made to any one person in particular though, but more towards the culture of fat people that we Americans are becoming (more honesty here). Thanks for your input.

Jesse- Agreed. I think the ability to walk away (other choices) is the single most powerful tool in any negotiation.

]]> By: SavetotheFuture http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127052 SavetotheFuture Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:25:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127052 As with anything else, negotiating takes practice. If you are dealing with a salesperson, remember that they probably have training that might give them a slight advantage. Because of this, it is good be prepared before going in, and know what your strenghts and weaknessess are when negotiating. I really like tips #8, and #11. Try not to make an emotional decision and choose your words carefully when negotiating. As with anything else, negotiating takes practice. If you are dealing with a salesperson, remember that they probably have training that might give them a slight advantage. Because of this, it is good be prepared before going in, and know what your strenghts and weaknessess are when negotiating.

I really like tips #8, and #11. Try not to make an emotional decision and choose your words carefully when negotiating.

]]> By: Monevator http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127035 Monevator Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:47:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127035 Another good tactic is to let them think they've won. For instance, if you want X, ask for X+Z but hint a lot about how X might be all you expect to get, but surely you should get X+Z. Often they'll fall back to X, rather than to, erm, Y. Hope that makes sense -- I'm sure there's a term for it in sales. Basically, if you get somebody thinking in terms of a bigger number, then the smaller number won't look so big anymore, even if they never expected to go so high... Another good tactic is to let them think they’ve won. For instance, if you want X, ask for X+Z but hint a lot about how X might be all you expect to get, but surely you should get X+Z. Often they’ll fall back to X, rather than to, erm, Y.

Hope that makes sense — I’m sure there’s a term for it in sales. Basically, if you get somebody thinking in terms of a bigger number, then the smaller number won’t look so big anymore, even if they never expected to go so high…

]]> By: leigh http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127027 leigh Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:59:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127027 the cultural difference surprised me when i worked for a man from india. he would not buy anything unless he had negotiated a satisfactory discount, and it inspired me to try for the same. the cultural difference surprised me when i worked for a man from india. he would not buy anything unless he had negotiated a satisfactory discount, and it inspired me to try for the same.

]]> By: Jesse http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127026 Jesse Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:53:02 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127026 One little negotiation tip: never be afraid to walk away. There is no car, health club, etc that is not replaceable. And even if it basically is, never let them know that. One little negotiation tip: never be afraid to walk away. There is no car, health club, etc that is not replaceable. And even if it basically is, never let them know that.

]]> By: Vered@MomGrind http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127012 Vered@MomGrind Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:36:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127012 Ah, jumping up and down with excitement. I often do that and it does kill the negotiation. Need to work on that. Thank you. Ah, jumping up and down with excitement. I often do that and it does kill the negotiation.

Need to work on that. Thank you.

]]> By: Heidi http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127011 Heidi Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:34:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127011 Just for referece, I am not the Heidi above. I am one of those that calls myself a fatty - but I do appreciate the change. I think that these are great tips - I was just talking to a women's group about how to negotiate salary. It's too bad that some people tend to shy away from negotiation - Jason is absolutely right that you can save or make thousands by doing some research and planning. Just for referece, I am not the Heidi above. I am one of those that calls myself a fatty - but I do appreciate the change.

I think that these are great tips - I was just talking to a women’s group about how to negotiate salary. It’s too bad that some people tend to shy away from negotiation - Jason is absolutely right that you can save or make thousands by doing some research and planning.

]]> By: Heidi http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127001 Heidi Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:53:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127001 Thanks! I appreciate the change - it's one of those words people use casually but that really come across as derogatory, especially when the overall intention is supposed to be positive. I know lots of folks who have no problem with being called fat but I know none who are happy to be called a "fatty". I think it was doing Jason's site a disservice to have that word used in describing it. Thanks! I appreciate the change - it’s one of those words people use casually but that really come across as derogatory, especially when the overall intention is supposed to be positive.

I know lots of folks who have no problem with being called fat but I know none who are happy to be called a “fatty”. I think it was doing Jason’s site a disservice to have that word used in describing it.

]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127000 J.D. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:34:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-127000 <b>@Heidi</b> I think Jason meant no harm. But you're right -- there are better ways to phrase things. I've changed the text. Thanks for pointing this out. @Heidi
I think Jason meant no harm. But you’re right — there are better ways to phrase things. I’ve changed the text. Thanks for pointing this out.

]]> By: Finally Frugal http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126999 Finally Frugal Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:55:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126999 I did this with my own gym membership. I knew that employees at my university were eligible for a discount on both the enrollment fee and the monthly fee. I had to negotiate for this with the person who initiated my membership----he was unaware of the policy. It took time and effort, but I saved myself about $200 by standing my ground. If I hadn't done the research beforehand and known what I could get, I wouldn't have been able to negotiate such great savings! A key point to successful negotiation, I think, is that you need to be able to say "no thanks" at any time. If you're coming from a position of not needing the deal, whatever that is, then you have the upper hand. In the end, salespeople want to sell; the question is how much profit they're going to make from your particular sale. I did this with my own gym membership. I knew that employees at my university were eligible for a discount on both the enrollment fee and the monthly fee. I had to negotiate for this with the person who initiated my membership—-he was unaware of the policy.

It took time and effort, but I saved myself about $200 by standing my ground. If I hadn’t done the research beforehand and known what I could get, I wouldn’t have been able to negotiate such great savings!

A key point to successful negotiation, I think, is that you need to be able to say “no thanks” at any time. If you’re coming from a position of not needing the deal, whatever that is, then you have the upper hand. In the end, salespeople want to sell; the question is how much profit they’re going to make from your particular sale.

]]> By: The Weakonomist http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126998 The Weakonomist Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:43:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126998 One big place for negotiation, financial services. Every fee at a bank can be waived, but they aren't likely to do so because it cuts into their commission. If they want your business, they will waive the fees. I know because I see it every day in my bank. I recently negotiated some big savings on my car purchase. Here's the story : http://weakonomics.com/2008/03/10/the-weakonomist-buys-a-car/ Short version, saved thousands and my car was sitting on the show room when I went to inspect and pick it up. All negotiation was via email. Contact me if you want help doing the same, its easy and I've done it for a few others since posting the story. One big place for negotiation, financial services. Every fee at a bank can be waived, but they aren’t likely to do so because it cuts into their commission. If they want your business, they will waive the fees. I know because I see it every day in my bank.

I recently negotiated some big savings on my car purchase. Here’s the story :

http://weakonomics.com/2008/03/10/the-weakonomist-buys-a-car/

Short version, saved thousands and my car was sitting on the show room when I went to inspect and pick it up. All negotiation was via email. Contact me if you want help doing the same, its easy and I’ve done it for a few others since posting the story.

]]> By: Frugal Dad http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126997 Frugal Dad Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:42:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126997 These are some great negotiating tips! One thing I don't like to do too often is compare my deal to one another person received (that's especially true with salary negotiations). Every deal is different, and if you know about another deal someone received, don't bring it up unless you are using it as a last resort. To me, it just sounds petty to lead your arguement with, "Well, you gave Joe a $10k bonus last year and we worked on the same project." These are some great negotiating tips! One thing I don’t like to do too often is compare my deal to one another person received (that’s especially true with salary negotiations). Every deal is different, and if you know about another deal someone received, don’t bring it up unless you are using it as a last resort. To me, it just sounds petty to lead your arguement with, “Well, you gave Joe a $10k bonus last year and we worked on the same project.”

]]> By: Wayne Mulligan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126996 Wayne Mulligan Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:40:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126996 Great post JD. It's funny, but it's not usually a tactical problem when people don't negotiate for better terms, it's usually a psychological one. Many people out there just don't have the confidence/desire to buck the trend to ask for more. It's so ingrained in our society and culture to just take what we're given and be happy about it. But for anyone who's ever traveled abroad, they know it's quite different. Take China for instance..many of the shops I went into had dedicated "negotiators" (aside from the regular sales people) because in that culture, everything is negotiable. As JD has mad abundantly clear, everything in this culture is negotiable too -- just gotta work the nerve to ask for it. -Wayne Great post JD. It’s funny, but it’s not usually a tactical problem when people don’t negotiate for better terms, it’s usually a psychological one. Many people out there just don’t have the confidence/desire to buck the trend to ask for more.

It’s so ingrained in our society and culture to just take what we’re given and be happy about it.

But for anyone who’s ever traveled abroad, they know it’s quite different. Take China for instance..many of the shops I went into had dedicated “negotiators” (aside from the regular sales people) because in that culture, everything is negotiable. As JD has mad abundantly clear, everything in this culture is negotiable too — just gotta work the nerve to ask for it.

-Wayne

]]> By: Ron@TheWisdomJournal http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126994 Ron@TheWisdomJournal Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:31:42 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126994 I would highly recommend Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson. It outlines using several tips and techniques for negotiating everything. I reviewed the book back in January and I highly recommend that everyone read it before making any major purchase. I would highly recommend Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson. It outlines using several tips and techniques for negotiating everything. I reviewed the book back in January and I highly recommend that everyone read it before making any major purchase.

]]> By: foxnomad http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126993 foxnomad Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:27:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126993 Here are some good tips I've picked up on how to bargain your way to a better price (especially when shopping abroad - but the principles still apply everywhere else!!) http://www.foxnomad.com/2008/03/27/how-to-bargain-your-way-to-a-good-price/ Here are some good tips I’ve picked up on how to bargain your way to a better price (especially when shopping abroad - but the principles still apply everywhere else!!)

http://www.foxnomad.com/2008/03/27/how-to-bargain-your-way-to-a-good-price/

]]> By: Martin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126990 Martin Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:30:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126990 These are good tips and well worth following. However, I would change number 11 slightly. Rather than speak of fairness, I find it better to discuss how 'reasonable' something is. The word 'fair' can unnecessarily provoke far more than the word 'reasonable' does. I haven't a clue why. Maybe we hear kids shouting, "It's not fair!" and we don't have time for that type of argument. Who knows? 'Reasonable' works on both a positive and negative level too. To suggest that something is 'unreasonable' is a lot more adult than saying it's 'unfair'. It's less likely that the other negotiating party will bring down their shutters either. These are good tips and well worth following. However, I would change number 11 slightly.

Rather than speak of fairness, I find it better to discuss how ‘reasonable’ something is.

The word ‘fair’ can unnecessarily provoke far more than the word ‘reasonable’ does. I haven’t a clue why. Maybe we hear kids shouting, “It’s not fair!” and we don’t have time for that type of argument. Who knows?

‘Reasonable’ works on both a positive and negative level too. To suggest that something is ‘unreasonable’ is a lot more adult than saying it’s ‘unfair’. It’s less likely that the other negotiating party will bring down their shutters either.

]]> By: Heidi http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126989 Heidi Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:18:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/09/negotiate-once-save-thousands-every-year/#comment-126989 I read this blog via an RSS feed on livejournal and generally am interested in the advice given. That said, the minute I saw the word "fatty" used in the first sentence of this entry I tuned out. Frankly, calling someone a "fatty" is derogatory, even if it's meant in a joking way. If World Fitness Network advocates using that particular word, I won't be visiting it any time soon! There's no need to (even jokingly) embarrass, shame, or insult people to sell the message of fitness and good health. <i><b>J.D.'s note:</b> Good point, Heidi. I've changed the reference.</i> I read this blog via an RSS feed on livejournal and generally am interested in the advice given.

That said, the minute I saw the word “fatty” used in the first sentence of this entry I tuned out. Frankly, calling someone a “fatty” is derogatory, even if it’s meant in a joking way.

If World Fitness Network advocates using that particular word, I won’t be visiting it any time soon! There’s no need to (even jokingly) embarrass, shame, or insult people to sell the message of fitness and good health.

J.D.’s note: Good point, Heidi. I’ve changed the reference.

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