5 Times You Should Always Ask For a Discount

How to negotiate for a lower price when shopping.

While out shopping do you ever haggle for a lower price??  Because it is totally possible, acceptable and common to do in many situations.  This is one of my favorite ways to save a few extra dollars here and there, and it totally works!  I know that bartering can feel a little intimidating, so today I thought I would share a few tips to help you know when and how to ask for a discount, so that you can do so confidently.

Why Ask For a Discount

I love asking for discounts because it is a great way to save money on items I was going to be buying anyways!  If you had the option to pay full price for something, or get it for a cheaper price….wouldn’t you always choose the cheaper price???  I would!

Asking for a discount is a lot more common than many people realize, especially in a few specific industries.  I always tell myself the worst thing that could happen is they will say, “No”, so I might as well just ask!

How To Ask For a Discount

Asking for a discount is really fairly simple.  It takes a little bit of courage, a lot of kindness, and being willing to speak up!  Here are a few other tricks I have found when trying to decide how to ask for a discount when shopping.

It Never Hurts To Ask

My rule of thumb is that it never hurts to ask.  The worst thing that can happen is you’ll be told “no”, which really isn’t that bad of a thing to happen, right?!?!  So, just ask!

I know that this can feel scary, but I promise it gets easier the more you try!  So, the next time you start to wonder if you could get the price for cheaper….ask and find out!

Be Polite

My general rule in this world is to just be kind to everyone, and asking for a discount is no different.  Kindness can go a long way when you are trying to negotiate a price. 

Remember to never (ever!) be condescending or pushy to a salesman.  This will only turn them off and make them not want to work with you, which is the opposite of what you want to happen, and it’s just mean!

The best way to ensure you get that coveted discount is to smile, use the words “please” and “thank you” and look them in the eye.  Try to be their friend and understanding to their position and job.

Ask For a Manager

Many times the sales person you are talking to is not authorized to give you a discount, which is totally fine!  If you are told that they are unable to discount your item just politely ask to speak to a manager.

Most managers are able to give discounts, if they feel it is appropriate to do so.

Walk Away

If you are not given the discount you have asked for, be willing to walk away.  Many times when they see that you aren’t willing to back down, they will come back and give you the discount.

Most stores would rather see the item sold for a discount then not sold at all.

When To Ask For A Discount

I honestly believe if you ever want a discount, to ask for one!  But, there are some situations when you should ALWAYS ask for a lower price and I’m excited to share those times with you!

Ask For A Discount On Furniture

When you are shopping for new furniture keep in mind that the sales person is paid on commission.  The more money you spend, the more money they will earn.  Because of this commission furniture prices are greatly marked up.  Which is actually great for everyone involved. 

The marked up prices gives the sales person a lot of room when negotiating.  I recommend to never pay sticker price on any piece of furniture you are buying.  And yes!  You can even negotiate the delivery costs!

Ask For A Discount On Vehicles

Another time you should always ask for a discount is whenever you buy a vehicle.  It doesn’t matter if you are buying a used or new vehicle, both are negotiable!

One of the most important things when it comes to car negotiating is to be prepared and do your homework before coming to the car lot.  The best way to prepare yourself is by researching online vehicle information, especially finding what a fair price point is for the vehicle you want.  I love to use Kelly Blue Book to help me research any potential vehicles value.

Car salesman want you to make a purchase sooner rather than later, and this can work in your favor.  If your suggested sales price isn’t well received let them know that you are willing to walk away and shop at other car lots.  This will usually alert them to meeting you somewhere in the middle.

You do not need to be pushy during these negotiations.  Simply ask them to cut some money off the sticker price, and wait to hear their offer.  Sometimes less talking makes much more of a difference than talking a lot does.

Ask For A Discount On Medical And Dental Bills

Did you know that the price you are quoted for your medical or dental work is not what you always have to pay?  Because, it’s true!  These are negotiable!

When negotiating your medical bills I suggest simply asking if there are any discounts available to bring down the cost.  Many billers will work with you in finding a few things to cut out or a discount to apply.

One of my favorite ways to knock some money off the price of a medical or dental bill is to pay with cash instead of using insurance.  This obviously can’t be done for all procedures, but if there are some you are having done that aren’t to expensive and you have the cash to pay for it, let the doctors office know!  Every single time I have paid cash for a medical or dental procedure I have received a big discount.

Also, there are often mistakes on medical bills.  Make sure to look through each bill closely to ensure you are paying the correct price.  If you ever see any billing mistakes make sure to call the billing office to get them corrected.

Ask For A Discount On Damaged Items

I absolutely love finding damaged items at stores.  Why???  Because it means I can buy it for a fraction of the price!  Here are a few things I have bought for super cheap because they were damaged:

• This cute sign from Hobby Lobby had a black smudge on the bottom.  So, I asked if I could get a discount and they gave me 90% off!  And then I used some white paint to hide the smudge!

• Another item I got from Hobby Lobby was this white planter.  It has a small chip in it, so again I asked if I could get some money knocked off the price.  They gave it to me for 90% off!  And no one ever notices the chip!

• Lastly, I bought this dress from a local clothing boutique.  It had some foundation on the front, so I asked the sales lady if I could get it for cheaper and she immediately agreed!  I was able to get 75% off the dress and easily washed the foundation off before wearing it.

Like I mentioned earlier, it is often much cheaper and easier for stores to sell these items at a discount, rather than having to fix it themselves.

Asking For A Discount On Monthly Bills

Another great place you should always ask for discounts is on your monthly bills.  Everything from internet, insurance, and credit card interest are negotiable.

All you need to do to ask for this discount is to call your service provider and request a lower rate.  Most providers will be willing to work with you, especially if you have been a loyal customer for a few years.

Be sure to check out my article, 5 Bills To Negotiate, for more tips to scoring that discount on your monthly bills.

You Got This

The next time you are wondering when, if or how to ask for a discount, remember these 5 situations.  They are all moments when I have asked for a lower price and have been successful, and I know that you can too!

Remember to brave, confident, and that it never (ever!) hurts to ask for a discount.

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I hope this article helped you learn how to ask for a discount.