Did you know you can negotiate prices on many goods and services in your life?

It's not just for car buying...

-You can negotiate your medical bills. We had a large bill after having DD. It turned out the anesthesiologist (sp?) was not in network for our insurance even thought the hospital was. We gave her a call and she knocked $900 off our bill. Some doctors will knock a small percentage off for paying cash up front for their services. If you are uninsured, let them know. Some will give you a large discount. When I was in college I changed insurance and my GYN was no longer in network. I really liked him so told him about it and he did my exams for just the cost of the labwork.

-Furniture. Ask about scratch and dents and better prices on lone pieces that are no longer part of a set. Also ask for free or discounted delivery if you are flexible on your delivery date. That way they can just drop it off when they are in the area and not have to make a special trip.

-Home repairs. Get several estimates and go to the contractor you prefer and tell them you have lower prices. They might meet or beat them.

-Yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets, etc. These are a negotiators dream. Simply ask what their best price is or make them an offer. Also ask for a deal if you are purchasing a large amount of items. Be sure you are offering a fair price though, if you offer an offensively low amount it might make them not want to deal with you at all.

-Floor models. Ask for a discount on floor models on just about anything...furniture, electronics, patio items, etc. Most places will accomodate you.

-Price matching. Take advantage of price matching that some stores offer. Usually you just have to bring in proof of the price and they will beat it.

-Electronics. Ask for sale prices before the sale. You can also try to negotiate free connectors, cables, wiring, and even installation.

-Services such as Cable or Satellite. When a competing satellite provider sent me a flyer offering me free pay channels as well as a free DVR, I called mine. In about 10 minutes they had matched the offer and my DVR was on the way. Try the same with your phone company, cell provider, etc.

-Damaged goods. Ask for discount on that shirt you are about to buy with a busted seam. It could be a quick fix for someone who sews, and the store will be unloading something someone else might not buy.

I just did this with my cable company. My company is running a special for new/upgrading customers. But not for existing customers. So I called and simply told them I can get the same service with their competitor for the same price(I did some research online before hand to make sure). I told her if I couldn't get this deal, I"d switch. She paused about a minute and said "Alright - we dont' want to lose your business." Yipee!! Saved about $40 a month.:happy dance: