5 Things You Can Buy at Discount Prices

You don’t have to scour the post-holiday sales to find the best prices. Just haggle. While it may feel a little uncomfortable to bargain, these days, more retailers expect it.

“People are negotiating more, and retailers are accepting negotiation situations much more, because they know there’s less money out there and the power has shifted,” says Herb Cohen, author of You Can Negotiate Anything. “If I walk into a store and I don’t feel other side is budging, the retailer knows I will leave and buy somewhere else.”

Of course, it helps to know where you have the best odds of getting a deal. We asked Cohen and Carol Frohlinger, J.D., co-founder of negotiations specialists firm Negotiating Women Inc., to point out where you’re most likely to land a sweet deal.

A major boost to your bargaining power here: the clerks and managers typically work on commission. To meet their sale quota, they may be more willing to lower prices to make the sale.

First, go online to see how much your item was selling for on Black Friday (that will likely be the lowest price of the year). Then head to the store, but don’t go on the offensive. “I always start out with the clerk,” says Frohlinger. “If they say ‘I can’t do anything,’ I say, ‘Gee, would it help to speak with the manager?’ It’s more like, gee, I’d really like to make this happen, and am wondering if a manager could come up with something creative. So you’re on the clerk’s side.”

How big a discount you could get will vary, but don’t just focus on a dollar amount. Ask about free delivery or installation, or some other perk if the clerk or manager won’t budge much on price. And remember to bring a printout of the price you found online to show that you’ve done your research.

You may think your credit card rate is set in stone, but one phone call could lower it. Your best shot at getting a better rate: Be nice. “Say, ‘I know there are lots of different cards you issue, my rate is high, I’ve done some research, I’m wondering if you have a different card with a lower rate,” says Frohlinger.

“Put them in a position of trying to help you rather than come off as saying you guys are trying to rip me off.” What’s a good rate? According to financial web site Fool.com, aim for a 9% to 12% rate.

That sweater you’ve been waiting to go on sale? It’s possible to get a better price on it now. Cohen, who used to work in retail, reveals that prices are often negotiable, especially on products the store wants to move; these could be last season’s styles or discontinued items. While the salesperson may not have the power to lower prices, make him your ally in convincing a manager to give you a break.

And even if you don’t get a better price right then, ask if you can give him your contact information so he can tell you if the item goes on sale. Over the years, Frohlinger has built a relationship with one salesperson who now always e-mails her when particular items go on sale.

If only there was a Groupon for your favorite hair salon or spa at exactly the times you want to go. Regardless, if you can be flexible with your time, call and say you were wondering if they might be willing to lower the rate for a haircut or massage if you make an appointment during their least busy time slot. Or ask if there are days when the stylist or masseuse has fewer clients, because you’d really like to try and keep costs down. You can also offer to come in early or late if that helps, so you don’t cut into their regular business hours, says Frohlinger.

If you’re going out of network or you don’t have insurance at all, you may be able to get a discount on procedures or office visits simply by asking. The fee doctors charge can be much higher than the rate that insurance companies will pay for the same services, so there is wiggle room. The rule of thumb: Always ask what the fees are, then compare it to what your insurance company considers a reasonable and customary charge.

You can also go to web sites like HealthCareBlueBook.com to find out the rates insurers typically pay doctors in your area. Ask the office manager or doctor if she would be willing to give you the negotiated insurance rate or a discount. And if you can pay cash, say so—it’ll give you more leverage. In fact, a recent Los Angeles Times article highlighted that the cash fee could be even less than the negotiated insurance rate doctors and hospitals charge.