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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 former professor of economics at Carnegie Mellon University. “Businesses that are not online are more open to haggling than they used to be.”
Here are nine categories where it makes sense to ask for a deal.
1. New cars
New car buyers in the U.S. paid on average $48,907 in June, up $108 from May, according to Kelley Blue Book. Tariffs on automobiles, steel and aluminum are expected to push prices even higher in the coming months. However, many car dealers still price new vehicles 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, an assistant dean of accounting, finance and economics and assistant professor of finance 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.
2. Houses
The housing market is slowing down. Among listings that went under contract during the four weeks ending Jan. 26, homes sat on the market for 54 days on average, the longest period since March 2020, 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.
3. 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 upfront costs, like origination fees. According to a LendingTree analysis, borrowers who shop around save an average of $80,024 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.”=
4. 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 furniture’s sale price, see if you can also negotiate for free or discounted delivery.
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