Whether it’s a reoccurring expense or a one time purchase, these tips can be applied to both. You can usually pay less for just about anything.
1. Ask.
You’ll never know if you don’t ask. The worst that can happen is they’ll say no. You can ask if there’s a coupon or a special promotion. You can also ask for a discount. Tons of businesses provide discounts!
Some common discounts are:
– Enrolling in auto-pay and paperless billing.
– Bundling/package deals.
– Pay upfront in full. Insurance companies offer this type of discount. Back in my apartment dwelling days I saved a significant amount off my rent by paying 6 months upfront. (make sure to keep proof of payment records if you do this)
– Pay with cash.
– Students, senior citizens, and those in public service like the military, firefighters, and police officers can often get discounts.
2. Price Match.
Get it cheaper from elsewhere, ask the company to price match, OR ask them to even beat their competitors price.
3. Negotiate.
I believe that the best way to negotiate a lower price is to express genuine gratitude. Explain how you are a loyal customer and what you appreciate about their product or service etc. Sometimes they’ll offer you a loyalty discount without you needing to ask. When you put good energy out there, good energy usually comes back to you. It’s nice to be nice. If you do have a criticism or a complaint, discuss it with them without hulking out. Pointing out a defect can usually get you a better price.
4. Downgrade.
Choose a cheaper plan, buy generic, change the frequency of the service etc.
5. Cancel.
Just cancel it. Simply don’t buy the product or service. You probably don’t need whatever it is anyways.
