I have been known to haggle.
If I'm buying something retail, then I generally won't with some exceptions where it's possible- Skis are a big one. If it's something like Craigslist, then I definitely will. If I feel like I'm already getting a ridiculous deal, as in the person isn't aware what they're selling, then I'm not going to rip them off (further?
). If I see something advertised more than I value it, I rarely even inquire. I guess I figure if the price is that high the person must be way out of touch or if I can't afford it, I can't afford it.
If it's something that's borderline on the value, I suppose I turn it into a game but I also do like to be relatively frugal. My game is how low can I go, not who has the last word. The latter effort has always been silly to me. The question I have is this person knows the fair value, how badly do they want to get rid of it? The reality is (with me as a buyer), if I'm haggling with you I more than likely would just buy it at the advertised price if the seller is firm. I won't waste the sellers time or mine negotiating forever over pennies, but I will be persistent and charming
.
My sister is the worst. She was haggling over some antique furniture (sticker price $3,500) at an antique fair. She was at $3,200 and he was at $3,215 within 2 minutes but they could not agree. It resulted in multiple return trips and a total of 2 hours of bickering over $15 out of $3215. In the end I handed her $20 and told just buy it as I had lost my patience. I guess I was the true loser in that situation.
I may have mentioned somewhere I helped my buddy get a Mac Pro 1,1 Q2.66 w/Apple mouse and keyboard. The listed price was $280 and I got it down to $160. $280 was definitely high overall (but actually on the average to lower end of some of the local ads), but $160 in my mind is quite low. Acting as a consulting member, not directly negotiating, but stating my opinion to my friend added extra pressure to the seller. Product/market knowledge is also essential, especially with sellers who aren't aware.
It's actually interesting the different techniques people use.
- I act very overly friendly and act very buddy-buddy and enthusiastic, as well using product/market knowledge.
- My dad, a Wall Street banker, attached no emotion to negotiation. It makes him tough to read- the poker face. I've seen him negotiate expensive purchases (i.e. Cars) and while it seems most dealers like to play of the excitement of buying a car, my dad is seemingly uninterested in actually buying the item and almost annoyed that he has to go through the process. Typically he wants them to spit out the bottom line, period and has no patience for games.
- My sister takes the pushy, confrontational approach, which doesn't seem to work well.
- My mom takes the "ugh this is so expensive" tactic