Bargaining - It Can't Hurt to Ask: MMI Provides Some Helpful Tips on When and How to Negotiate Prices.HOUSTON -- Everyone loves a bargain. While some people are content waiting for a sale, some savvy shoppers rely on their negotiating skills to get the most bang for their buck. If you'd like to become an expert dealmaker deal·mak·er n. One that makes deals, as in business, finance, or politics. deal  mak , the first step is to put aside any embarrassment and simply ask for what you want. Your request will go even farther if you follow a few basic rules: * Do your homework first and know what the item or service is worth. * Always talk to someone with authority. * Be polite and do not discount the value of what you want. * Offer to pay in cash. * Be prepared to walk away. It also helps to realize that you can bargain for more than price. For example, next time you rent a hotel room, ask for an upgrade. After all, the worst they can say is "no." The following tips from the experts at Money Management International can help you get the best deal possible at various locations: Garage and estate sales. Whether they are selling a car or an old watch, people tend to attach emotional value to their asking price. Since you do not have a sentimental attachment, there is no reason to pay more. Offer what you are willing to pay in a nice, but firm, manner. Grocery stores. If a food item's expiration date Expiration Date The day on which an options or futures contract is no longer valid and, therefore, ceases to exist. Notes: The expiration date for all listed stock options in the U.S. is nearing, ask for a price reduction. The same goes for other items that have an expiration date, such as film or batteries. The price of ripe fruit and vegetables may also be up for negotiation. Retail stores. Prices are not always negotiable NEGOTIABLE. That which is capable of being transferred by assignment; a thing, the title to which may be transferred by a sale and indorsement or delivery. 2. in a retail shop; however, if you find a similar item on sale (at any store), the store manager may be willing to match the price. Buying in Buying in has several meanings. In the securities market it refers to a process by which the buyer of securities, whose seller fails to deliver the securities contracted for, can 'buy in' the securities from a third party with the defaulting seller to make good. quantity might also qualify you for a discount at many stores. Any time an item is damaged or dirty, ask for a reduced price. If you are over age 55, always inquire in·quire also en·quire v. in·quired, in·quir·ing, in·quires v.intr. 1. To seek information by asking a question: inquired about prices. 2. about a senior discount. "Finally, don't forget to bargain with your service providers," said Cate Williams, vice president of financial literacy Financial literacy is the ability of individuals to make appropriate decisions in managing their personal finances. Raising levels of financial literacy is now a focus of government programmes in countries including[1] Australia, Japan, the United States and the UK. for Money Management International. "Plumbers, babysitters and even doctors may be willing to work with you. Always get multiple bids for any service project. Then, choose the provider that you most want to work with and ask them to meet the best price you were quoted. Be honest about your desire to work with themCofor the right price." About Money Management International Money Management International (MMI (Man Machine Interface) See HMI. 1. MMI - Man-Machine Interface. 2. (company) MMI - The company which developed the first Programmable Array Logic devices. MMI was bought by AMD. ) is a nonprofit A corporation or an association that conducts business for the benefit of the general public without shareholders and without a profit motive. Nonprofits are also called not-for-profit corporations. Nonprofit corporations are created according to state law. , full-service credit-counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers since 1958. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts. Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English or Spanish. To learn more, call 800-762-2271 or visit www.moneymanagement.org. |
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