How to Negotiate: 11 Tips from Experts and LV Readers

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You're an expert negotiator.

You got that necklace at the flea market for half off, your favorite barista always comps you a grande for the price of a tall and let's not even talk about your Craigslist skills. (See that wood dresser? Got it for $20!)

But any pro can use a brush-up—and learn a few new tricks to have up her sleeve.

We wanted to provide you with the very best tips out there, so we asked everyone, including readers like you, consumer experts and our very own expert "negotiator in chief": What do you do to always get the best price?

We've put together the ultimate compendium ranging from the basics you should never forget to cutting-edge tips for getting what you want. Brace yourself—you’re about to become a slick car salesman’s worst nightmare.

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  • http://www.stylebaggage.com/ Nellene

    Great tips! I also think negotiating without the attitude of entitlement goes a long way too. If you’re buying a car, making your purchase closer to the end of the month may land you a better deal. (that is assuming they had low sales and are more desperate to close a sale)

  • Yessica Martinez

    Take it to the Better Business Burea too. I ordered a product from the companies websites as a gift, during Christmas, for a friend who lived in a different state. The company flagged my purchase as a fradualent charge, still charged me for the product, but never sent it out. If I hadn’t followed up on the gift with my friend I would have never known it hadn’t arrived. When I called the company they told me it was standard practice for them to charge if a purchase was marked fradualent, and that it was the responsibility of the customer to call and find out what happened to their purchase. I eventually got my product, but not before reporting them to the Better Business Burea. Actually anytime I’ve had a problem with companies after using many of the suggested tips, I’ve mentioned the BBB and somehow, my issue was resolved within minutes.

  • Kristin

    Great tips! My dentist gives discounts for paying in cash but I never thought to ask elsewhere!

  • Jamie

    I’ve complained about a few meals/service on Twitter, giving the restaurants’ handles, and have heard back from nearly every single one.  I’ve even gotten gift cards mailed to me!

  • Suzanne

    I learned a powerful negotiating lesson from Target recently. I bought a lamp for my office that broke 5 months later. Their official policy is 90 day returns with receipt and original box. I had none of these. The returns person said no and the manager on duty said no. BUT, when I had a colleague email the branch manager (highest level at that store) he said they would accept the item returned as long as it was under $70 and I had a state ID. Success!

  • Lisatx

    I got thousands off my home’s foundation repair by wiating untilt he slowest period for that industry – right after Christmas.  the timing saved me approximately $2,000, and when they told me they accepted credit cards, I immediately asked if they offered a cash discount.  Imagine my surprise when they gave me an additional $500 for paying with cash!

  • http://theWardrobeCode.com Nicole Longstreath

    Never hurts to ask. I found with a recent experience with American Airlines that if I asked for something specific, it was more helpful for them to accommodate me than simply complaining.

  • Heatherraela

    As a former customer service rep for a cell phone company, my advice to get what you want is to be nice and be aware of the chain of command. Do not ask “at,” ask “up.” What a rep can’t do, the manager’s manager may be able to. Do, however, read your contracts before calling, and know if you’re asking to do something that breaches your contract or goes against the current policy. You can still be helped, but if a rep knows exactly what you you are asking them to do, they can get you ro the person who is best able to get you what you need – answers not hold time.

  • lostbronte

    Great tips, but I wish I could print the entire article on one page!!