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After I realize the salesperson isn’t coming to me, (he’s watching a basketball game) I go to him. I launch into my spiel about being on a budget, living in a small apartment, and my affinity for Sony products. I tell him about the TV I want and how it’s out of my price range. “I really have to stick to my budget, which is $1600,” I say, emphasizing the all-important budget. This time, I quote the number right up front, which I didn’t do in the first store.
He nods knowingly, and says, “That’s not all, you have to buy a bunch of other stuff.” Here we go, again. He starts ticking off things. First, I need a Monster HDMI cable. He tells me I can get away with the short one, and it would cost $100. (I think this price is wrong, but let him keep going.) Next, I need a surge protector (Monster brand, of course) and that would set me back another $80. Solemnly, he explains the very real threat of surges on my TV, pointing to the recent onslaught of thunderstorms we had. Am I interested in Blu-ray? “No, not yet,” I tell him. One thing at a time. Back to the list: Delivery with set up is $100, which seems suspiciously cheap. Also, a 4-year warranty would cost $220, which would cover the TV if it was fried in a surge, eliminating the need to spend $80 on the surge protector. Huh?
We finally walk over to the Sony V-series TV I’m interested in. He says the one I like is a great TV and a good deal. He then points to the lower end $1599 Sony S-series TV, which is exactly one dollar under my proclaimed budget. Luckily I researched this TV, too, and I’m ready. “It’s okay but not great; there are not enough HDMI ports, and the contrast ratio isn’t very good.” I sound confident and knowledgeable; he nods his head and goes back to the V-series TV.
Silence isn’t Always Golden
The salesman changes gears at this point and surprises me. He says the TV is on sale for $1709 for the next three days, and is normally $2300 (note, I think he made this price up). “That is a good deal, but it’s still too much,” I say, as I nod my head and mull it over. Here, I’m Embracing the Silence, a haggling tip that I think will seal the deal. We both stare at the wall of TVs watching 35 Eric Claptons perform in concert. As the song ends, I give in. “Do you offer the same deals in store as you do online?” This tip isn’t for me.
I go on to tell him about the sweet deal his store is offering online that includes the 25% off Monster cables, 15% off surge protectors, and free shipping. “Will you honor that?” He kind of stutters at first, caught off guard, and then says yes, he just needs proof. (Again with the printed page). That helps, but I’m still over the $1600 budget. He stammers a little more, and I throw in that his competitor is selling the TV for less (I never say it’s only ten dollars less). This brings him over to my side. He tells me he’ll work with me to help me get what I want. Cha-ching! I ask his name, he gives me his card and the days he works.
Lessons Learned
First, preparing is invaluable. The more information you have the more bargaining chips you hold. Second, print out any proof you might use to bargain with. Third, the more you bargain the better you’ll get. I learned valuable lessons from my first experience that led me to a better outcome in my second. You have nothing to lose, and money to save on your next electronics purchase.
Hate to say it, but you are a terrible haggler. I was in Best Buy the other day and got $620 (price match + discount + gift card) off a new plasma TV and stand, without breaking much of a sweat. Go somewhere like Consumerist.com and you’ll find that the employees say what they told you (LIES) _all_the_time_.
About a year ago I tried using the “your website” line at Circuit City. But they claimed some of those deals truly are online only. Thus I had to go home and order the item (a home theatre system) online, then go back to the store. Same day. I also returned all the expensive Monster surge protectors and cables. Those are the biggest joke around. CC does offer great no interest deals though.
Ok, where to start. What did you accomplish?
You learned to print out competitors online deals before shopping? That’s a good start, but why not do what others have already stated…just be bold and admit you have 1600 dollars and you want to purchase that TV.
If they say no, take your business elsewhere. Don’t beat around the bush.
It’s that simple.
Finally, buy accessories (cables, UPS, surge) online.
Thanks for the fun article, Jennifer.
As southwick said, many people would never think to haggle with a salesperson at a nationwide retail chain. I found your tips to be very helpful.
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Good article to get folks that are less informed in the A/V realm a leg up on the high priced and confusing sales tactics out there. Like many of us, HT enthusiasts I am one that does tons of research before I make a decision on a new addition to my HT. About 4 yrs ago I decided on a Mitsubishi silver plus RPTV most stores at the time were selling them around $2500, during my research I had gone to some of the big box stores, including Sears, BB, and Ultimate and a couple of the small A/V dealers in town, all with in 5 mi of my house. I have found with any of these stores it helps to first what I call “endear” yourself to a sales person. Find one that likes to talk, especially about themselves and their equipment etc. It is the finding common ground part of dealing with the public many miss the boat on. Long story short after a couple of weeks of “window shopping and talking, and armed with my print outs on the various store deals I settled on Ultimate. At the time Mitsu was offering a $200 rebate, but I told the salesmen I didnt want to deal with mailing it in and wondered if they wouldnt take the $200 off to make the sale. Immediately he said yes and would also honor the Sears price of $1900. I pointed out that Sears was offering a DVD player as a package deal a $100 value for free. They also told me no problem pick out one from this rack and I’ll throw it in too. Ultimates warranty is cheaper and longer than Sears so I bought one as well though normally I dont bother, but with newer tech and items over a grand I recommend it. The thing is I was in military uniform at the time as well it might have been an advantage and one must play all the Aces in your hand if you can. It also helps to bring your skeptical attractive wife along sometimes. I have found men seam weaker of will when she is around. Like I said play all the cards when you need to go all in. Of course they wanted to sell me cables HDMI wasnt the big thing yet it is now but DTV cables were so I got a 6’, a component and a new AV cable all Monster for 50% off and they threw in some of that Screen cleaner and a micron cloth for free. Add to that free delivery and I made out pretty darn good. All though they seamed a little sad when at check out they said well we can put this all on your Store Card and my wife says oh no we will pay cash, but the deal was already made. Final cost $1799. Not a bad deal saved over 600 bucks. So it does help to haggle and do your research!