Comments on: Save money by learning to negotiate

By: Carrie

Carrie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:20 +0000

In Guatemala I knew I had to negotiate in the marketplace, and I knew they were pulling my tourist leg for all I was worth. So my Guatemalan friend did it for me, I told her what I wanted, then sent her over to get it for me. They usually offered her a price that was at least a third lower than their original offer, and she usually bartered it down.

In one of the marketplaces I became friends with a seller, and she made a personalized bracelet for me after I bought a few things, she was so sweet.

By: Vanderbilt Wife

Vanderbilt Wife — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:14:20 +0000

I was in China for 6 weeks as a study abroad student in college. I went through the whole process of being scared to barter at all to putting on a show for all the other onlookers, arguing loudly and comically (in CHINESE!) with a salesman, all in good fun. When it’s truly in good humor on both parts, I think you will get the best deals!

Jessie

By: Stacey

Stacey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:27:08 +0000

I wanted to add that you can also ask for a % off at some chain stores. I was able to get 10% two quilts that a bought at Targe*, because they had dusty marks on them. They were already reduced to 75% off, so I got them for a steal, and, of course, the dust marks came off in the wash! =) And, I want to know about the scarves as welll. We bought a ton when we were in Guatemala…..

By: Jena Webber

Jena Webber — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:46:16 +0000

I am assuming you are still overseas! I enjoyed learning to negotiate while we were traveling in Guatemala and Ecuador.

By: Moms In Need of Mercy

Moms In Need of Mercy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:48:36 +0000

Great info–thanks! I completely second the importance of being frugal but not cheap. I was so disgusted by some people at one of our garage sales, when I knew I had marked items fairly and they just wanted stuff for nothing. One woman bought several things (Ralph Lauren baby overalls for $1, a brand new Nine West $65 purse with tags still on for $4, and several other items). and asked if I’d take $4 for everything. When I pointed out the purse itself was $4, she said in an extremely snide tone, “Yeah, but it’s a YARD sale.” I had a feeling she was going to turn around and ebay everything for much more than she paid.
I really think as Christians, our witness–especially at garage sales–is soooo important. What if instead of being gracious and either paying the asking price if it’s fair, or humbly asking if they’d take less (if you think it’s not fair), we were rude and cheap, and then that person ends up sitting next to us at church sometime as a guest? It’s not all about the price we get stuff for…

By: sarah

sarah — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:31:25 +0000

great lessons but I TOTALLY WANT TO KNOW how much you ended up spending on the scarf

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Love it!
I loved in West Africa for a year and have such fond memories of the bartering done there – it was simply a part of life for EVERYONE!

We have negotiated prices on various things over the last few years – probably the biggest money saving one was when we were looking to rent a house two years ago. We knew what our price range was and the house we liked was on the higher end of our budget. We told the owner (who owns about 50 properties) that we didn’t want to pay more than $xyz amount and that we’d keep looking for one on the lower end of our budget. He knocked $200 off the price PER MONTH right away! We were in the house for 12 months, so that was a huge savings!

By: Terri

Terri — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:53:03 +0000

Great article!!!! I am the worst at negotiating. I try to avoid it if I can. Knowing the “rules” or techniques will definitely come in handy! I love all your market photos!!! And I am so impressed that you had 100 people buy from you at your show last week. Blessings!