preMEDitated

With no end still in sight for the current financial crisis, the average consumer is faced with the problem of buying goods at increasing prices with his income at a fixed rate. In order to survive, he must learn some bargaining skills in order to extract the best possible deal with the lowest possible resources. Nevertheless, with the advent of standardized pricing as seen in shopping malls the practice of the art of haggling has declined especially among the younger generations. Fortunately, there are still shops that can still play the old bargaining game. Here are a few rules* for the soon-to-be-savvy consumer to guide him in his quest for more savings.

Rule 1. Be unimposing. Note your posture, and remember not cross your arms. Do not give shopkeepers the impression that you are “better” than them. They would feel threatened and give you a higher price. Speak their language, or at least show them some effort. This gives them the message that you are human and in need of a break.

Rule 2. Maintain eye contact. This shows them that you are not just interested in their products, but that you are also interested in what they have to say. This in turn starts them in a generous mood.

Rule 3. Never interrupt. Give them an impression that they are in charge of the conversation. Remember the rule that it is easier to steer someone if he thinks he is in charge.

Rule 4. The bargain is your goal. For example you are buying fish in a market. It doesn’t matter if the fish you are interested in is not the freshest in the market. What matters is if you are willing to buy the fish for the price given. Do not speak against their quality! Feigned disinterest is more successful than insulting a shopkeeper by disparaging his wares.

Rule 5. Act like it’s a game. It’s a contest of wills. Enjoy the banter with shopkeepers. So what if you fail, there are always other stores and other opportunities. In order to improve your skills just practice, practice, and practice.

Rule 6. Use the power of silence. Ask them if that’s the best they can do, then keep silent. Eventually, they’ll name a price. Btw, you could always walk out if you don’t like the offer.

Rule 7. Know your limits. Your purpose is to save, not throw away money. Shopkeepers may offer you the lowest prices in the world, but if they are beyond your range then don’t buy.

Rule 8. Negotiate as if you’re negotiating for others. Your family, friends, children, or organization may need the product desperately. Be their voice. This gives you the courage and will to strike a bargain.

Rule 9. Bargaining is win-win. Remember that shopkeepers need you, while at the same time you need them. A good bargain is fair for all participants.

*Most of these rules are based loosely from a conversation with Mitchel Waylander a character in Betrayal at Krondor, the best RPG ever.
Some of these rules are distilled from an article by Amy Reiter at Salon.com.