So, does anybody else do this? Not just for cars, but for other goods/services?

For example, I got my portion of the bill for my surgery in October. It was substantial even with insurance. When I checked in, I almost cancelled it when they told me what my portion would be, but they told me they could cut it by 25% if I called and asked.

So, today I called and asked if there was anything they could do to help me lower the amount. They asked how much I could pay in one lump sum and I decided to go lower than 25%. I gave them a figure that was 33% less. They put me on hold for 5 minutes or so and came back and said that would be fine. My bill would be paid in full.

Of course, now I am kicking myself for not going 50% off, but, hopefully, I still got a better deal than I would have normally. I guess I need reassurance that it was a good deal.

But, moral to the story, negotiate when you can. All you will be told is "no".

With our insurance we have a family deductible of $400 a year and so I call whenever I get a bill and ask how much they'll take if I pay in full. Normally they will take a lot less than they billed and while my insurance shows me paying the $400 deductible I usually end up paying maybe half that. So it doesn't hurt to ask. The worst they can do is say no.

Great job for saving so much!

Way to go!! That was a good deal.

And that is so true, always ask, the worst you will hear is no.

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Stacey

The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls. ~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Yes, I do it all the time. Sometimes it irritates DH, but then when we got the lawn cart free with our riding mower, he was happy! I've gotten folks to cut the cost of a Christmas tree almost in half; I've negotiated good deals on flowers at the farm market...I was in a vintage jewelry boutique while on vacation last month & found these beautiful vintage crystal earrings & matching necklace. I got them for $50 from $100. They were a consignment piece & the store owner had to call the lady who brought them in, but I got them!

Did you call the Dr's office and talk to the secretary or billing??

My sister has been getting some big medical bills lately - i just called her and read her your post - she's VERY excited and plans on having her DH (the better negotiator) call them about it!

Thanks for the post!!

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Stay at home mom to my 3 boys... ages 5, 3 & 1!

I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

This was the hospital billing's office, actually, but I don't see why it wouldn't work with a doctor either. Or a vet for that matter.

Thanks, I'll have to let her know! We'e both SO excited to see how much she can save!!!

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Stay at home mom to my 3 boys... ages 5, 3 & 1!

I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

I do it all the time too and my dh was irritated by it as well until I got him a free TIVO as well as 6 months free movie channels. All I did was call Directv and tell them about an offer that Dish Network had going and they were able to match it. The whole thing took me about 12 minutes of my time.

I even talked them into free installation...all I ended up paying was $17 in taxes.

No, I never negotiate anything. I suck at it and so does dh. Heck, I could not even get my cc company to move my due date by 10 days. How come no one ever agrees to what I ask

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~Happiness is a large family~

Yep, I'm great! LOL Drives my dh bonkers even with all the good deals I get!

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt