Comments on: How to be a Better Negotiator http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/ For People Pursuing Freedom Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:57:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: dj41326 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-118681 dj41326 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:55:06 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-118681 Great post! I recently attended a two day negotiating class and it was enlightening to say the least. One of the things that I learned about Americans is that we as a culture do not like to negotiate. In Russia and Eastern European countries they will start the negotiations at half the asking price. In life you only get what you negotiate for. Great post! I recently attended a two day negotiating class and it was enlightening to say the least. One of the things that I learned about Americans is that we as a culture do not like to negotiate. In Russia and Eastern European countries they will start the negotiations at half the asking price. In life you only get what you negotiate for.

]]> By: The Baldchemist http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-85098 The Baldchemist Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:50:48 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-85098 Just as a little addendum; learn "the take away" a priceless tool when negotiating. The Baldchemist Just as a little addendum; learn “the take away” a priceless tool when negotiating. The Baldchemist

]]> By: The Baldchemist http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-84665 The Baldchemist Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:37:04 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-84665 Put some value and benefits into doing business with you. Show them how the returns will be doing business with you. That way you can take as much payment as you want. Justify it with a strategy that highlights the benefit. The more you take the more authoritarian you become. When boring people make them feel as if its their fault. KNOWLEDGE - Priceless. The Baldchemist Put some value and benefits into doing business with you. Show them how the returns will be doing business with you. That way you can take as much payment as you want. Justify it with a strategy that highlights the benefit.
The more you take the more authoritarian you become. When boring people make them feel as if its their fault.
KNOWLEDGE - Priceless.
The Baldchemist

]]> By: Steve http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-39091 Steve Wed, 29 Aug 2007 21:52:50 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-39091 Veronica, You can never be sure what will work, every situation is unique, but I can tell you what won't work. Don't be too eager. Be willing to walk away. If they need you more than you need them you are in a great position to negotiate but it may take time. The biggest power you have is the power of 'saying no.' Try to keep emotional attachment out of it - I know it's hard - think about the deal strictly in business and monetary terms and realize that lowballing a seller may piss them off and they may not talk to you again. I don't know where you are or a thing about the seller or the deal, but offering 20% under asking is usually risky. But like I said in this article, my wife made a lowball offer and waited months and they finally called and accepted it. If you can only afford 399... tell them that. Tell them you can't pay a dollar more. If they want your money they'll take it. If they don't, they won't and you'll have to keep looking. make your offer and be willing to walk away without hesitation. Don't be mean or crude or emotional, just be honest. "I won't pay more than 399" and see what happens, they might not talk to you again, they might ask for some time, and they might counter offer. You can't control the results only your actions. Veronica,
You can never be sure what will work, every situation is unique, but I can tell you what won’t work. Don’t be too eager. Be willing to walk away. If they need you more than you need them you are in a great position to negotiate but it may take time. The biggest power you have is the power of ’saying no.’ Try to keep emotional attachment out of it - I know it’s hard - think about the deal strictly in business and monetary terms and realize that lowballing a seller may piss them off and they may not talk to you again. I don’t know where you are or a thing about the seller or the deal, but offering 20% under asking is usually risky. But like I said in this article, my wife made a lowball offer and waited months and they finally called and accepted it. If you can only afford 399… tell them that. Tell them you can’t pay a dollar more. If they want your money they’ll take it. If they don’t, they won’t and you’ll have to keep looking. make your offer and be willing to walk away without hesitation. Don’t be mean or crude or emotional, just be honest. “I won’t pay more than 399″ and see what happens, they might not talk to you again, they might ask for some time, and they might counter offer. You can’t control the results only your actions.

]]> By: Veronica http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-39084 Veronica Wed, 29 Aug 2007 20:49:26 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-39084 I'm getting ready to negotiate on a home price of $495,000. I want to offer $399,000. $410,000 would probably be the highest I could go. Can you give me some pointers on how to present the deal and get it accepted? Thanks Steve I’m getting ready to negotiate on a home price of $495,000. I want to offer $399,000. $410,000 would probably be the highest I could go. Can you give me some pointers on how to present the deal and get it accepted? Thanks Steve

]]> By: Alexander http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-25924 Alexander Fri, 08 Jun 2007 10:48:43 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-25924 Hi Steve, I've found your post very interesting, be aware to not forget a very important concept: customer satisfaction ! If you, as seller, ask and get more as the marketplace normally accepts, as soon as the buyer get aware of the real (lower) marketprice, his expectations rises and his satisfaction lowers instantly. Consequence could be that you'll never make a second deal with that person and he might also spread bad feedback. In this case it might also happen, for example if you rent an appartment for a higher price, that the customer might not take particular care of it. I'm a strong fan of the RIGHT PRICE: gain only few % and make a lot of deals and get a good reputation, instead of make one big deal and than work long time to find another customer because of my bad reputation. ciao alexander <a href="http://ottantaventi.blogspot.com">Ottantaventi blog</a> Hi Steve,
I’ve found your post very interesting, be aware to not forget a very important concept: customer satisfaction !
If you, as seller, ask and get more as the marketplace normally accepts, as soon as the buyer get aware of the real (lower) marketprice, his expectations rises and his satisfaction lowers instantly. Consequence could be that you’ll never make a second deal with that person and he might also spread bad feedback.
In this case it might also happen, for example if you rent an appartment for a higher price, that the customer might not take particular care of it.

I’m a strong fan of the RIGHT PRICE: gain only few % and make a lot of deals and get a good reputation, instead of make one big deal and than work long time to find another customer because of my bad reputation.

ciao
alexander
Ottantaventi blog

]]> By: Roger http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-10176 Roger Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:02:44 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-10176 My wife and I have discussed separating our wants from our needs many times. If you know the difference you are one step ahead of the game. When you have to finance the purchase remember that you are spending future wages to satisfy todays wants. If your vehicle is worn out you know you need a new one. This is no longer a want, but a necessity. Don't go to the dealership and pay sticker price as some do. Know a price that you feel you can afford. Many people are switched to a higher priced vehicle by the salesperson. Stick with your original price you have in mind. Remember the sales person wants the sale maybe even more than want to buy. Listen to his pitch then make your offer. You will probably end up paying something in between. However it will be less than their asking price. Always negotiate. My wife and I have discussed separating our wants from our needs many times. If you know the difference you are one step ahead of the game. When
you have to finance the purchase remember that you are spending future
wages to satisfy todays wants. If your vehicle is worn out you know you need a new one. This is no longer a want, but a necessity. Don’t go to the dealership and pay sticker price as some do. Know a price that you feel you can afford. Many people are switched to a higher priced vehicle by the salesperson. Stick with your original price you have in mind. Remember the sales person wants the sale maybe even more than want to buy. Listen to his pitch then make your offer. You will probably end up paying something in between. However it will be less than their asking price. Always negotiate.

]]> By: Dan and Jennifer http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6626 Dan and Jennifer Wed, 07 Feb 2007 22:26:59 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6626 Great post Steve. And to put a Law of Attraction spin on this, wanting something generally pushes it away... It's easy to digress into the fear of not getting it, thus focusing on the lack of whatever we want... instead of truly holding the image in your mind of what you'd "like" to see. One thing I really like about the new movie The Secret (as opposed to What the Bleep?) is that it illustrates this point so well, without the metaphysical jargon. Have an awesome day! Dan Great post Steve.

And to put a Law of Attraction spin on this, wanting something generally pushes it away…

It’s easy to digress into the fear of not getting it, thus focusing on the lack of whatever we want… instead of truly holding the image in your mind of what you’d “like” to see.

One thing I really like about the new movie The Secret (as opposed to What the Bleep?) is that it illustrates this point so well, without the metaphysical jargon.

Have an awesome day!
Dan

]]> By: John Wesley http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6593 John Wesley Wed, 07 Feb 2007 15:36:05 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6593 Ahh, the art of negotiation. Some people get it, and some people never will. It definitely helps to start thinking about strategy though. You're definitely right about not 'wanting' to buy. If you go in wanting to buy at a set price (like you did with the minivan) you limit your negotiating ability dramatically. Ahh, the art of negotiation. Some people get it, and some people never will. It definitely helps to start thinking about strategy though. You’re definitely right about not ‘wanting’ to buy. If you go in wanting to buy at a set price (like you did with the minivan) you limit your negotiating ability dramatically.

]]> By: Hugh Hollowell http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6389 Hugh Hollowell Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:56:18 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6389 Steve- My hearty congratulations to you and your wife on the new store. I am very happy for you both. Steve-

My hearty congratulations to you and your wife on the new store.

I am very happy for you both.

]]> By: Ashish Mohta http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6386 Ashish Mohta Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:50:49 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6386 one of the Best way is to let first ppl talk and then plunge into action.You get to know what game they are playing one of the Best way is to let first ppl talk and then plunge into action.You get to know what game they are playing

]]> By: Life Optimizer - Live your life to the max http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6346 Life Optimizer - Live your life to the max Mon, 05 Feb 2007 01:25:35 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6346 [...] How to be a Better Negotiator by Steve SolsonThis post has good tips on how to position yourself in a negotiation to have better bargaining power. The bottom line: don’t think that you need it; you just want it. [...] [...] How to be a Better Negotiator by Steve SolsonThis post has good tips on how to position yourself in a negotiation to have better bargaining power. The bottom line: don’t think that you need it; you just want it. [...]

]]> By: Steve http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6301 Steve Sun, 04 Feb 2007 13:30:25 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6301 Tony, I've never liked the word 'shrewd.' I like 'patient' negotiator much better. There was nothing 'shrewd' about Christines rent negotiations. Everything was very friendly and easy. It just took patience. Josh, I bought a minivan shortly after my first child was born. I researched it on the internet and knew the lowest price I should pay and was determined not pay a penny more. I walked into the dealership, found the van I wanted, and planned to start a negotiation. They offered me exactly the price I had in my head. It was like they had done the exact same market research. I've always wondered if I should have walked away from that one or not. But I bought it for price I planned on paying. But like I said, since I didn't test them I always wondered how much money was left on the table. I'd do it completely different today. I'd do the whole thing via email and I'd play it out over a month or so. Maybe more. Tony,

I’ve never liked the word ’shrewd.’ I like ‘patient’ negotiator much better. There was nothing ’shrewd’ about Christines rent negotiations. Everything was very friendly and easy. It just took patience.

Josh,

I bought a minivan shortly after my first child was born. I researched it on the internet and knew the lowest price I should pay and was determined not pay a penny more. I walked into the dealership, found the van I wanted, and planned to start a negotiation. They offered me exactly the price I had in my head. It was like they had done the exact same market research. I’ve always wondered if I should have walked away from that one or not. But I bought it for price I planned on paying. But like I said, since I didn’t test them I always wondered how much money was left on the table.

I’d do it completely different today. I’d do the whole thing via email and I’d play it out over a month or so. Maybe more.

]]> By: Josh Bickford http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6282 Josh Bickford Sun, 04 Feb 2007 09:19:46 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6282 I've been buying real estate for several years, and I've never had my first offer accepted, nor have I ever had a property sell the instant I made it available. Doing either would leave way too much money on the table! I’ve been buying real estate for several years, and I’ve never had my first offer accepted, nor have I ever had a property sell the instant I made it available. Doing either would leave way too much money on the table!

]]> By: Tony http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6274 Tony Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:40:41 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6274 Great post! I like the stories because it really helped me grasp your new value concept. I just know in negotiations that you make your profit when you've bought not when you've sold, (like buying realestate) but the mechanics of your new value system really makes that click for me much more in a sense that you're operating from a "patience" standpoint and gives me a bigger picture. "Shrewd" negotiations doesn't always mean moving forward aggressively! "Patience" just may be your most aggressive move yet! Thanks again Steve! Great post! I like the stories because it really helped me grasp your new value concept. I just know in negotiations that you make your profit when you’ve bought not when you’ve sold, (like buying realestate) but the mechanics of your new value system really makes that click for me much more in a sense that you’re operating from a “patience” standpoint and gives me a bigger picture. “Shrewd” negotiations doesn’t always mean moving forward aggressively! “Patience” just may be your most aggressive move yet!

Thanks again Steve!

]]> By: Soni http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6264 Soni Sun, 04 Feb 2007 02:56:36 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6264 I have this issue a lot, as a freelance writer. When I first started doing it, I would cringe at asking the average going rate (as based on what fee schedules I could find online), because it seemed like so much money to a starving artist-type like myself. But people kept coming back with, "That's about what we figured," or "Sounds like that's right about in our normal budget for these things." These days, I just price and go. If they accept, cool. If they don't, I can always try to work with them to come out with an alternative that works for both of us, if I want the job bad enough. Or not. It's my choice, and that's the whole point of working for myself! I have this issue a lot, as a freelance writer. When I first started doing it, I would cringe at asking the average going rate (as based on what fee schedules I could find online), because it seemed like so much money to a starving artist-type like myself. But people kept coming back with, “That’s about what we figured,” or “Sounds like that’s right about in our normal budget for these things.”

These days, I just price and go. If they accept, cool. If they don’t, I can always try to work with them to come out with an alternative that works for both of us, if I want the job bad enough. Or not. It’s my choice, and that’s the whole point of working for myself!

]]> By: Steve http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6233 Steve Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:43:04 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6233 Yes Monica it is. The problem is when you ask a price and it sells instantly. Doesn't that make you wonder how much money you left on the table? Yes Monica it is.

The problem is when you ask a price and it sells instantly. Doesn’t that make you wonder how much money you left on the table?

]]> By: Monica Ricci http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6220 Monica Ricci Sat, 03 Feb 2007 17:50:23 +0000 http://www.steve-olson.com/how-to-negotiate-a-better-price/#comment-6220 Steve, isn't it great how the fair market works? I'm free to set my price and you're free to either pay it or not pay it, which then lets me know if I've set my price higher than the market will bear. Then I'm free to DROP my price if I see fit. It's a beautiful thing! ~Monica Steve, isn’t it great how the fair market works? I’m free to set my price and you’re free to either pay it or not pay it, which then lets me know if I’ve set my price higher than the market will bear. Then I’m free to DROP my price if I see fit. It’s a beautiful thing!
~Monica

]]>