Posts Tagged ‘everything’

“You’ll never make money faster than when you’re negotiating” Roger Dawson

After completing my study at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan, I returned back to the US. Having sold just about everything before I left, one of the first things I had to do was purchase a car. Since I am a bit of a car fan, I had been planning and researching for quite some time. This knowledge of knowing exactly what the car was worth and knowing what I was willing to pay, allowed me to purchase a brand new car at a really great price. The price was so good I was able to sell the car a year later  for a thousand more than I paid for it.

I have recently come across a three part guide explaining all the ins and outs of getting a great deal on a car. It is a very comprehensive set of articles and following the tips should help save a lot of money. Even if you manage to save just a $100 more than you were willing to pay, you are still making good money

How to get a great deal on a new car – Part I
How to get a great deal on a new car – Part II
How to get a great deal on a new car – Part III

In general I try to make things as simple as possible. If I am purchasing something, I want the transaction to go as smoothly and quickly as possible. That way both myself and the other party gets the best value. However, there are times when being politely difficult is the only way to get a fair price. I find this particularly true for utilities and any company that you need to call to get customer service (phone, internet, online banking, cable and satellite, gas and electric, water, etc.). Below are a few tips I use to not get cheated or have to pay any additional fees.

1. Choose a time when you have lots of time- If you have time you will be less likely to get fed up and take the bad deal.
2. Make them call you back- you don’t want to pay for the phone call
3. Ask them to explain everything they tell you- If you still don’t understand ask them to explain again
4. Be polite, but difficult- If you are a good customer, tell them so. Ask them why they are treating you unfairly (if they are doing so).
5. Ask for a higher authority- This saves you being on hold and you are more likely to get a better outcome. The higher the authority the more the more the time costs them.
6. Be willing to make suggestions and compromise- Being difficult is the means to get an outcome. Don’t forget what you are aiming for. If they offer you a good deal or something different (but equal and fair) consider taking it.