Would you believe that places in the world look at the tag price as a mere suggestion? Heck, in some countries it’s a way of life. A simple little back and forth could mean the difference between paying market value and saving a small fortune.
Unfortunately, this is a skill that many automobile buyers sadly fall short of. Especially to those in the North American region, haggling is not seen as a necessary skill in the transaction cycle. When consumers see the price labelled on the tag, they figure that whoever put that number there probably thought long and hard about why that vehicle has that worth.
Some potential clients also see haggling as rude or not worth it in the bigger picture, but those are mere myths that you’ve come to believe. Haggling can be a handy tool in the automobile buying transaction but, like any other skill, requires a quick wit and a level head. It’s about walking that thin line of firm but friendly while trying not to come off as discomforting or desperate.
But, to fully understand the power of haggling, people need to first understand that there are some myths about haggling that everyone needs to withdraw from their minds.
Myth #1: It’s Insulting to Ask For a Lower Price
Guess what? No matter what you think, you’re not an inconvenience to the seller. They want to do business with you just as much as the person after you. Believe it or not, haggling is seen as a careful buying strategy, making you come off as prudent, wise, and cautious in many countries.
At its core, people believe that haggling is insulting comes from a fear of rejection. In some cultures, when you negotiate for a better price, it’s assumed that you don’t know any better as a result. Some dealers might even see it as an invitation to be taken advantage of.
Granted, this is not the truth everywhere you purchase an automobile, but this should still not dissuade you from at least trying. There is no shame to negotiate; it’s not insulting to anyone.
Myth #2: You’re Taking Advantage of the Seller
While haggling for a better price, has the seller ever said something along the lines of, “You’re taking food out of my children’s mouths,” or “You’re really taking advantage of my good nature.” Don’t worry, you’re not; this is all an act they put on.
They want you to feel guilty about wanting to go lower than the sticker price. They want you to think that even attempting to do so makes you a bad person. It’s all emotional leverage, and they do it because it works.
But, the absolute truth of the matter, if they didn’t want to sell at the agreed-upon price, they wouldn’t. A seller would never agree to a deal that could lose their dealership money. No matter what price they agreed upon, they are making a profit.
Myth #3: You Need an Aggressive Personality
At its very core, haggling is two people trying to find enough common ground to reach a win-win situation. So, why would you want to be aggressive with someone who wants the same thing you want?
In reality, people with aggressive personalities are seen as off-putting and obnoxious. When that’s the case, dealers will become more closed off towards the buyer, making them less likely to do business. They just want to get through these people as quickly as possible in most cases.
All you really need when entering a haggling situation is a friendly and cheery demeanour. A winning smile will get you farther on the negotiating table than demands and a firm stance.
Myth #4: Haggling Isn’t Worth it
No matter how long it takes to reach a deal, it will always be worth it. Don’t think it is? Well, let’s consider a scenario then.
You’re looking through the listings online and find the perfect automobile; the engine’s in excellent condition, good gas mileage and the colour is beautiful. The only problem is that the dealer is asking for $30,000, which is a little higher than you were hoping.
After some talking and negotiating, he says he’ll wipe 10 percent off the price. Well, guess what? That’s a savings of $3,000. Some of the most successful haggles can wipe off upwards of 30 – 40 percent.
No matter how little you might get out of it, any dollar saved is worth it because that one dollar could determine whether or not you’re driving your dream car.
