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5 strategies that can get you a better deal



I recently had to get an arborist to do some tree pruning at our house. An arborist is not someone that I would call on very often hence I wondered how do I know that I got the best offer? Yes, you can get a comparison quote, which I did get, but then again was this the best offer I could get?

Here are 5 steps that help to get a better deal.


1)     Build rapport
People like to deal with people they like, so why burn your bridges and play hard ball.  People like to be of help so assume good intentions build rapport and trust.

2)     Reject the offer politely
Tell the other party that their price is too high. While you would like to consider them for the job you would like them to review their offer.

3)     Think about their motivations
Put yourself in their shoes. What motivates them to get this work? Is it money, is it the prospect of more work or do they need the job because business is slow at the moment? People have different motivations and it is important that you figure out the motivations of the other party so you can gauge whether or not you can get a better deal.

4)     Make them feel powerless and achieve the opposite
People like to be in charge or at least be perceived as such. The next step is to test this by making assumptions. Say something like ‘I understand this is above your powers.’ ‘I can see that this is out of your control’. In most cases this achieves the opposite and the other party will move in their offer.

5)     Leave with a good impression
Finally, leave on good terms, no matter if you have come to a deal or not. There is no need to be arrogant, angry or rude. You never know when you will meet the other party again. People move around and as the saying goes ‘You always meet twice’.


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