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10 Products and Services You Should Always Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to haggle when buying a new car, furniture, mattress and more
Paul Spella (Getty)
Key takeaways
- You'll miss out on savings if you assume that most prices are set in stone.
- Comparing offers, timing requests and speaking to multiple customer service representatives can improve results.
- In addition to a lower price, you can ask for other perks, such as free shipping.
Whether to haggle is a question that looms large for many consumers. Asking for a lower price, especially in person, can conjure feelings of fear and dread. Nobody wants to be shot down or feel embarrassed. But not asking can cause you to leave money on the table when buying certain products and services.
“Haggling has always been the case for some kinds of goods, but increasingly, there are more things to negotiate face-to-face,” says Linda Babcock, a professor of economics emeritus at Carnegie Mellon University. “Businesses that are not online are more open to haggling than they used to be.”
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Here are 10 categories where it makes sense to ask for a deal.
1. Hospital bills
Before you get out your checkbook to pay an eye-popping hospital bill, call the billing department to negotiate. “There’s definitely room to get a lower price,” says Jared Walker, founder of Dollar For, a nonprofit organization that helps people apply for hospital financial assistance.
Walker is proof that asking for a reduction in hospital bills works. He’s done it numerous times, most recently negotiating a $1,300 bill down to $380. The key to success is asking, “What is the settlement amount?” If the facility is willing to accept less than what is owed, you need to be able to pay that amount in full. “You can’t negotiate and then go on a payment plan,” he says.
Tip: Even the settlement amount can be negotiated. If the first person you speak with offers a settlement that’s still too high for you, call back another day to see if a different representative will offer a lower amount. “I have called the same office three times, talked to three people and gotten three different settlement amounts,” Walker says.
2. New cars
New-car buyers in the U.S. paid on average $49,220 in May, up 1.2 percent from a year ago, according to Kelley Blue Book. However, the average transaction price is $2,375 lower than the average list price of $51,595 — suggesting many new vehicles are priced with room to negotiate.
Tip: In addition to negotiating the sales price, dealerships may be willing to offer other perks to sweeten the deal, says Jaime Peters, dean of the College of Business and Technology at Maryville University. “In addition to the price, you might think about other things that are important to you that the seller may be able to throw in,” such as free tire rotations, a bike rack or all-weather floor mats.
3. Houses
The housing market has cooled slightly over the past year. As of May, new listings were on the market for a median of 49 days, up three days from a year ago, according to data from real estate company Redfin. If you find a home that’s been languishing, the seller might entertain a lower offer — or at least be willing to negotiate the sale price a little.
Tip: Do your research before making an offer, Babcock says, by looking at prices for comparable properties online. The last thing you want to do is insult the seller with a ridiculously lowball offer.
4. Mortgage rate and fees
“Never take the first offer a lender gives you,” says Peters. Shop around for at least three quotes. Armed with those offers, you’ll have information you can use to negotiate the interest rate and up-front costs, like origination fees. According to a LendingTree analysis, borrowers who shop around save an average of $62,572 over the life of a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.
Tip: “Because it is such a competitive industry, don’t expect massive savings when negotiating,” Peters says. “Most banks are already giving you close to their best offer the first time around.”
5. Furniture
You can find sofas, dining room tables and other furniture deals online, but the real place to score discounts is in person. In particular, retailers looking to move older inventory to make room for new furniture collections or pieces may be willing to offer a price cut, particularly if the item you want has been at the store for a while, Babcock says. Salespeople often have the discretion to reduce prices for items that are already marked down, but they won’t offer to do so unless you ask.
Tip: After you strike a deal on a piece of furniture’s sale price, see if you can also negotiate for free or discounted delivery.
6. Mattresses
When shopping for a new mattress, you might score a big discount just for speaking up. In 2024, Consumer Reports surveyed more than 6,000 of its members and found that of the 22 percent who were brave enough to haggle, 60 percent were successful, saving a median of $258. And it wasn’t just at brick-and-mortar mattress stores: Around 7 out of 10 online shoppers who negotiated nabbed discounts.
Tip: Check return policies. Some retailers offer free home trials, with some companies providing risk-free trials of up to a year.
7. Mobile phone and internet service
Loyalty has its rewards when it comes to your mobile phone and internet bills. Many wireless carriers and internet providers will offer discounts to retain your business, but you have to ask.
Let the provider know you are thinking about leaving. Many cellphone and internet companies have customer retention departments that are authorized to offer deals.
Tip: Before calling your provider, check your monthly bills and look for any “extras” on your account. You may be shelling out for bells and whistles you don’t need or use, like unlimited data.
8. Home improvements and repairs
The adage “You get what you pay for” applies to home improvements, which is why homeowners are encouraged to get several estimates before deciding on a contractor. Once you find one you like, try negotiating for a better deal. They may be willing to accept a lower price if business is slow.
Tip: Let the contractor know you’ll recommend or use them for future projects. They may be willing to give you a markdown on materials or labor if it means there’s more work coming their way.
9. Car insurance
Most states require car insurance, but prices aren’t set in stone. “Insurance is a massively competitive business, typically based on actuarial tables and demographics,” Peters says. “Even if you are happy with your carrier and agent, it is prudent to shop your insurance coverage around every two or three years at the least.”
Tip: If you’re happy with your insurance company, get a few quotes from other providers and present the best one to your insurance agent. “It can be surprising how quickly they find new ways to reduce the cost,” Peters says.
10. Auto repairs
When it comes to car repairs, you usually have three options: dealerships, car repair chains and small mechanic shops. Dealerships often cost the most but may specialize in your make and model. Big chains may focus on only one or two specialized services, like tire repairs or oil changes. Small service shops may offer more personalized service and be more willing to negotiate.
“Don’t count out that small service shop,” Peters says. “It’s where you can often find significant cost savings for still quality work, and since they are mostly owner-operated, they have the most authority to haggle.”
Tip: If your vehicle is under warranty, check the terms — the policy may cover only authorized dealerships. “You don’t want to void that warranty by trying to save $20 on a small repair,” Peters says.
If negotiating isn’t your thing…
Haggling may not be up your alley, but the more you practice, the better you’ll get. To sharpen your skills, start small.
“Go to a flea market or garage sale. Negotiations are completely expected and usually quite successful,” Babcock says. “You’ll get some experience and confidence and can go up from there.”
Donna Fuscaldo contributed reporting to this story.
The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.
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