9 Easy Everyday Ways to Negotiate & Save Money

1. Price match - Bring in a print out of a lower price found online and ask the store to do a price match. If they do not, ask them to meet you half way. Or ask for a manager.

2. Help me spend my money! - For larger ticket items, tell the rep, you have your checkbook and are ready to buy now if you can have 10% off. I have $2000 I can spend on that tractor today, but if not, then I'll have to wait another day for a better deal.

3. Score a deal on a second item - If you see a piece of jewelry you like and already negotiated a 15% off, then before you pay for the item, ask for the same discount if you buy a second item. Once you already butter them up and they know that you're a buying customer and you know that they're willing to give you a discount, they'll be more welcome to additional discounts.

4. Use the bargain power of two - If a store owner won't budge on the price of an item, use the power of two. "What if I buy these earrings and this ring? Is there any way you can give me a discount?"

5. Find damage - Take the item to the register and ask the clerk, "I really like this clock, but there is some damage here, is there any way I can have a discount if I purchase this item?" Show them the damage, it can be minor, as small as a tiny scrape, discoloration, stain, broken zipper, etc. Most of the time, the clerk can give you 15% off. This works at Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx especially.

6. Keep an eye out for the wrong price - If the price tag for the milk says $2.50 and at register rings up $2.75, tell the clerk and you can probably get the milk for free. Most stores have a store policy if the item is priced wrong and it is under $3, you can have that item for free or get a $3 discount off your total purchase. Downside: Holding up a long line while the clerk runs back to the aisle to do a price check.

7. Ask to speak to a manager - Sometimes the person you're talking to cannot give you a discount, instead of getting angry, simply ask to speak to the manager. I was trying to get a late fee on my credit card waived and the rep made the request through the computer but it came back as a denial. I asked, "Hmm..can I speak to a manager, maybe they can do it." She happily obliged, got a manager on the line and he waived the late fee and the interest charges.

8. Ask for the best price - If you don't want the pay the listed price, but will anyway if store won't budge on the price, then simply ask, "What's the best price you can give me for this?" This way if they won't negotiate, you don't feel awkward buying it, and you aren't forced to walk away from something you really want to buy.

9. Pay with cash - Whenever you pay by cash, you can usually avoid sales tax. Stores have to pay around 20 cents + 2-5% in credit card transaction fees. Why not pay cash and both parties benefit. You save 7-8% and the store saves too!

Tip:
The main part of negotiating is compromise. Sometimes stores can't give you exactly what you want because it might eat too much of their profit, but they might be willing to give you something else. Try asking them to meet you half way, or throw in something small for free, or get a discount off another item, etc.

In the end, it doesn't cost anything to ask!