Haggling the markup
- Thread starter isu22andy
- Start date
It was a fairly large order to feed a crowd that I was placing to pick up in a few days. It was something like $458 and we talked a bit and agreed on an even $400.
Told them no novacaine. Didn't want them measuring my inseam and getting into my personal space like my dentist does.
I'm not a fan of haggling.
I had a new client try to haggle me on some accounting fees, I took it as an insult and increased to his fee.
I had a new client try to haggle me on some accounting fees, I took it as an insult and increased to his fee.
They've been doing that to me as well. Outside of the envelope has no indication at all that it's from DTV.
I used to be able to do this with TW as well but tried it early last year and they told me they didn't have any promos and couldn't do anything...tried every couple of months and nothing...finally told them in October that I could get a better deal with Google Fiber and they miraculously found a promo for me...although it's still not as cheap as GF but I really like what I have with TW so I didn't want to hassle with switching.
It's not available in Hawaii, so when I moved there, i called them to cancel and it still took me 30 minutes of listening to offers for something I couldn't get.
I went to a friends party once and he had a full spread of steak, burgers, etc.
Afterward I asked him about it (as I thought it was SUPER expensive given the party and number of people there). He said he ordered a big package from Omaha Steaks and said, "and if you complain, they have a no questions asked refund policy" I couldn't believe he did that, but he said they don't even ask and will refund your money.
Not haggling and I've never done it (when I brought it up to my wife she was appalled I even considered).
Afterward I asked him about it (as I thought it was SUPER expensive given the party and number of people there). He said he ordered a big package from Omaha Steaks and said, "and if you complain, they have a no questions asked refund policy" I couldn't believe he did that, but he said they don't even ask and will refund your money.
Not haggling and I've never done it (when I brought it up to my wife she was appalled I even considered).
I've had good luck with floor model appliances or other floor items (bathroom vanity) because many times they are essentially in the way and a manager will do anything to move the item.
I've found in situations I try to haggle, I try to develop rapport and am honest and will lead with "is this the best you can do" and many times you can tell how much wiggle they have and if there is some trust/relationship building, they will say they can't, but may throw in other items they control (free delivery, accessories, etc).
One example was when I bought a furnace I had several quotes and the specs were close on them all, but a local guy was the nicest/most honest, but couldn't hit the same price point as a bigger company and I was honest and told him I appreciated him and his honesty (he didn't try to upsell me, he acknowledged I knew what I was talking about) and he knocked the price down as much as he could and threw in some service and I was happy to give him my business and refer him to other folks.
I've found in situations I try to haggle, I try to develop rapport and am honest and will lead with "is this the best you can do" and many times you can tell how much wiggle they have and if there is some trust/relationship building, they will say they can't, but may throw in other items they control (free delivery, accessories, etc).
One example was when I bought a furnace I had several quotes and the specs were close on them all, but a local guy was the nicest/most honest, but couldn't hit the same price point as a bigger company and I was honest and told him I appreciated him and his honesty (he didn't try to upsell me, he acknowledged I knew what I was talking about) and he knocked the price down as much as he could and threw in some service and I was happy to give him my business and refer him to other folks.
I don't haggle and don't let customers haggle with me. I'm proud of my work and my time is worth what I charge.
I have friends who seeming look for validation in telling everyone about the great deals they get. They also like to always ask what I paid for stuff and then go one upmanship on it. Got to the point I will not tell them what I paid for a car or other major purchase. They can be judgmental condescending pricks about this stuff but just cannot seem to stop it.
A doctor will likely match insurance reimbursement.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Nepal where haggling is part of the shopping experience. Can’t say that I was good, but 10% could be had for the asking.
One anecdote happened at a little curio shop in KTM. I had stopped in just to browse and asked about a wooden mask on the wall. Their mind set is that you have started a bargaining process that will go to completion. I was told $250 which was way more than permitted by my wallet and my interest which was no more than casual. He came down to IIRC about $150. I am used to pricing in the US where margin is often in the 50% range and I told him I might not be giving him a fair profit at that price. He came down several times. I continued to reject the offers while expressing concern for his profit margin. When I finally left, he was running after me offering the mask for $20.
I did eventually buy some curios to try to sell in the states. That didn’t work well, but I did buy similar masks from a local wholesaler at about S10 each.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Nepal where haggling is part of the shopping experience. Can’t say that I was good, but 10% could be had for the asking.
One anecdote happened at a little curio shop in KTM. I had stopped in just to browse and asked about a wooden mask on the wall. Their mind set is that you have started a bargaining process that will go to completion. I was told $250 which was way more than permitted by my wallet and my interest which was no more than casual. He came down to IIRC about $150. I am used to pricing in the US where margin is often in the 50% range and I told him I might not be giving him a fair profit at that price. He came down several times. I continued to reject the offers while expressing concern for his profit margin. When I finally left, he was running after me offering the mask for $20.
I did eventually buy some curios to try to sell in the states. That didn’t work well, but I did buy similar masks from a local wholesaler at about S10 each.
I haggle with Comcast every November. They continue to give me yearly deals. This time, I got the same price I had two years ago ($20 for internet) and magically ended up with basic cable access as well. I went through 5 different people and told them all I was going to cancel if I couldn't find something that fit my budget. I fully expect that they will try to get me to pay full price for this package come next November, but that's just their way of starting the process all over again.
I know a few people like that who will just come right out and ask prices. Not close relatives or friends where you have that kind of a rapport, but people I used to work with or go to church with.
I finally decided that rather than subtly just change the subject - I alternately tell them a very very low price or a very very high price. Just to f with them. Because I hate that too.
Yes, I'm lying in church!
Most local gun shops will negotiate. I usually show them the price I found online and tell them that they can either make a little money on me or no money. Most I've dealt with will go along with it (as long as urban isn't below their cost).
