From a post title Everything is a Negotiation …

“In fact, it is more accurate to say that everything is a potential negotiation. Yet, in many situations, the effort to negotiate is not made. Fear, ignorance or complacency seem to be the usual suspects as to why we would not seek advantage.”

The post describes two techniques that are easy to master are the “flinch” and “nibbling.” …

• “The flinch, which is one of my all time favorites, requires only that you respond to the offer, whether it be the price of a car, the insurance company’s settlement offer or the plaintiff’s demand, with a look of incredulity, then slowly repeat the offer as a question with a tone of utter disbelief. “$50,000?” Then, say nothing and wait for the other side to start making compromising gestures.
• Nibbling is where the buyer asks for ostensibly small benefits after the price has been struck such as free delivery, no sales tax etc. The individual concessions are small but when added up can be substantial.”

Advice from Consumers Reports …

• Be prepared to walk – The most persuasive weapon you have in your haggling arsenal is your ability to walk away and spend your money someplace else.
• Offer to pay cash – Merchants don’t like to pay transaction fees to a credit-card company. Such fees are about 2 percent for large retailers and as much as 8 percent for small ones.

My personal favorites …

• are there any discounts or promotion you can apply to this purchase?
• is this the best you can do? OR is there something we can do about the price?
• is there a loyal customer discount”