You’re a Bargain Babe reader, so we already know that you love a great deal, but have you ever thought about negotiating your own deal? There are many places where you can score a serious discount just by haggling. Here’s our list of 12 items and services you can haggle for.
- food (though generally not at a restaurant unless you call ahead and make a special deal)
- travel arrangements through an agent
- clothes
- shoes
- electronics
- home goods
- services like hair cuts, massages, and spa treatments (if you buy these services in bulk you can often get a significant discount. I snagged 25% off my haircuts that way!)
- anything at a garage sale
- monthly contracts including your cell phone, cable/Internet, newspaper, magazine
- health care (especially if you can pay upfront in cash)
- oil changes and car maintenance (if you negotiate ahead of time)
If you haven’t tried haggling before, is there a reason? Have you just never thought to try, or are you too nervous to try haggling? It can be intimidating to try to talk your way into a better price when you never have before, so it’s a good idea to try somewhere that you’re comfortable. Try snagging a deal at your local grocery store or deli.
In my opinion, one of the best places to try haggling for the first time is at a farmers market. At farmers markets haggling and even trading items is common. My best friend’s family owns an Apple orchard so I’ve been going to farmers markets since I was 14. This was where I had my first experiences with haggling. People would constantly suggest trading items, discounts for buying in bulk, and even just try to get lower prices on a bag of apples. Since it is common, there is no need to feel uncomfortable and it will help you build your confidence to negotiate deals. Also, prices at farmers markets, at least around me, are much lower than store prices so they’re a fun and frugal place to visit even if you don’t score a discount.
Sometimes scoring a huge discount is as simple as asking, “Can you lower the price?” Remember, the worst that can happen is they say no. What do you think? Will you be trying your hand at haggling in the future?
What else have you negotiated a discount for that is not on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
I’ve haggled for a lower bill when an appliance repair man came over to fix my refrigerator. A friend recommended a simple approach. You simply ask, “Can I get that at a lower price?” and see what happens. It saved me $100.
I have gotten deals buying offering to pay for a package of services, as in 8 haircuts for 160, that knocks the price down to 20 apiece instead of the 23….bottom line, it has to be win win. Some of the suggestions you mentioned in the previous post seem a bit brash … reverse the shoe and think how you would respond if your boss wanted to come haggle your paycheck. Some things are worth paying for, great customer service is one of them and great employees for that matter.
Furniture always negotiable…..discontinued flooring as well.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love a great bargain and dickering for a better deal, and a good deal is when both parties get what they need.
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