Fork over full price? Never. America’s top penny pincher shares his secrets on how to
bargain for big savings on everything from dental work to digital cameras By JEFF YEAGER
Pay Less for An thing
When Glyndalyn Willard’s
beloved and much-used sewing
machine stitched its last seam,
she started calling around to find
out what a replacement would
cost. The Nashville-area resident
went to a store and made a cash
offer $200 less than the listed
price. “They agreed so quickly,”
she says. “I wish I’d offered less.”
Willard did something most of us
wouldn’t even think of doing—she negotiated a discount. Most Americans don’t
bargain when they buy, and that’s too
bad. It can be fun and a real money saver.
If you’ve never asked for a lower
price, now is a good time to start, because in the current economic climate
retailers and service firms are willing to
shave a little off their profit to make a
sale. I know: I was dubbed the Ultimate
Cheapskate by Matt Lauer of the Today
show, a program where I often report
on ways to live the good life on a limited
budget. My full-time job is exploring,
writing, and speaking about ways to
save money. Bargaining is one of them,
and it isn’t hard; it just takes persistence
and know-how.
The first thing I do when I’m negotiating for a discount is speak with someone
who has the authority to make a deal. I
come in knowing the range of pricing on
the item I’m bargaining for. And, very
important, I’m always friendly.
With these basic negotiating techniques in mind, I asked my Miser Advisers—a nationwide network of 300-plus
bargain hunters and negotiators with
whom I regularly consult—to contribute
to the following list of unlikely expenses
for which negotiating is almost guaranteed to pay off. You’ve got nothing to lose,
and much to gain, by giving it a shot.
1MEDICAL COSTS Most doctors don’t make house calls, but they may make a deal—if you ask. Talk to your
physician as well as your dentist, chiropractor, acupuncturist,
or other medical professional about fee reductions. Roger
Sayre of Jersey City did just that, and his doc agreed to cut
30 percent off the cost of Sayre’s office visits, which weren’t
covered by his insurance. Also, always ask for prescription
samples. And while we’re on the
subject of doctors, don’t forget
veterinarians. When there’s a genuine financial hardship,
many vets are willing to reduce or waive some of their fees.
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2BANK FEES Banking is a highly competitive service industry, and most banks recognize the need to
keep their customers happy. Miser Advisers note that
they routinely get check-printing charges, late fees,
and other costs waived just by asking. For instance,
after Barbie King of Dunedin, Florida, questioned a hefty
$39 fee, a friendly bank clerk made it disappear.
Customer-service reps, both in the branch and over
the phone, typically have the authority to make these
decisions. If they say no, ask to speak to a manager.
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3ELECTRONICS Repeat after me: Never, ever pay the advertised price for consumer electronics.
This market is so fluid and competitive that even novice
negotiators should be able to walk away with at least a
10 percent discount off listed prices. All Natalie Cunha
of Springfield, Oregon, had to do to get 10 percent off of a new digital camera at one
major electronics store was to mention she was going to
check the same item at a competitor’s outlet. Then she
negotiated a free service plan in exchange for paying cash.
Offering to pay cash is a great negotiating tactic, since credit
card companies typically charge merchants processing fees.
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4GROCERIES The supermarket is probably the last place you’d think you could negotiate for lower prices,
right? But go ahead. Ask the manager for a markdown on
meat, dairy items, baked goods, or other products that are
near their expiration dates. Just make sure to check
whether it says “Sell by” or“Use by.” It makes a difference.
And if you just missed last week’s big rump-roast sale, do as Ralph Huber of
Washington, D.C., does and ask the store manager to grandfather your rump
(I couldn’t resist) and give you the sale price. Farmers’ markets are also fertile
ground for haggling, particularly for larger quantities and late in the day.
