Negotiating Tips for Lowering Bills, Prices, & Rates

Negotiating; some people love it - others hate it. Either way, it can be a great frugal skill for lowering bills, scoring deals, getting out of late fees, OR just enjoying some Saturday morning yard sales!

Sponsors:

ModernFrugality: This blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19.

Classified ads: Looking to buy something? Check a classifeid ad. These aren’t your grandma’s classifieds. We’re in the digital age: Facebook, OfferUp, Let Go, Craigslist, ebay, you want it? You can find someone sellin' it. Classified ads, check em before you head to the store.

Notable Notes:

- What the Internet has to say:

This article from credit.com provides a list of 12 things you should always negotiate on. From big to small items - we think this one is worth reviewing.

- What Jen and Jill have to say:

• Cars: dealerships EXPECT you to haggle, and buying used cars privately can ALWAYS be negotiated

• Homes - obviously negotiate on this one

• Mortgage rate: If you have good credit or can offer a big down payment this is major leverage

• Rent - negotiate (AND barter!!)

• Medical bills - this is not always set in stone!

• Credit card costs: You may be able to get out of the annual or seek forgiveness on a missed payment

• Home and yard work: Get multiple quotes and compare (although recognize that if one if MUCH lower than the rest this is a red flag!)

• Cable bill: it can't hurt to haggle a little here!

• Furniture prices: Paying cash, bundling, etc. can all get you good deals!

• Insurance rates

• Collections accounts

• Used stuff: Another obvious one

• More from the Internet:

This article from riskology gives 5 steps for negotiating lower prices or rates, specifically on bills.

• From Jen and Jill:
• Speak friendly and assertively
• Ask for more than you want, then back down. This shows them you’re willing to give in a little, and creates a climate where they might too!
• Only negotiate with someone who CAN - lol
• Always have a back up plan- if you can’t get a lower price, try for better service at the same price point
• Know when to stop - part of this is knowing what you’re asking for going in, to avoid confusion

BILL OF THE WEEK -

• If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill

Lightning Round

• From the community

-Heather says to do industry research to back up your ask & pay for as much upfront

-Chris says call the frugal friends to do it for you. We do not endorse that method

-John recommends the book Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

-Jocelyn says cash monies :)

Frugal Friends Book Club
It’s March and we’re reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver

• If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com.

• We’ll select the winners at the end of the month.

See ya next week!