As a busy couple with kids and a career, sometimes Melissa and I need some help. But, professional help usually comes with a cost.
So, we discovered a question we could ask to save money on everything from home repair services to buying a car to hiring a babysitter. Don’t worry, even if you’re shy like me, asking this question in your next financial negotiation will be easy. Here it is!
“Is that the best you can do?”
How do you use the question? The next time you hire help, you’ll begin to discuss cost. The plumber has his price. The car dealer has their deal. The babysitter has her bottom line. So, once you learn how much the helpful service or product will cost, just ask… “Is that the best you can do?”
You may hear the following response: “Well… I could go from $50 to $45, but that’s it.” Congratulations, you just saved $5. That’s like a free 10% off coupon just for asking!
But, what if you hear: “Yes, that is the best I can do.” …how do you respond to that?
Simple. Ask the question again. But this time add a subtle, but powerful, word to restate how important is is for you to get the best deal.
“Is that REALLY the best you can do?”
If you hear: “Well… I could go from $45 to $40, but that’s the best I can do.” Now you’re negotiating! You know their best price for you! And you saved $10 (a couple’s night out at Subway).
And, If you hear: “Yes, that is the best I can do.” you still know their best price. Now that’s a real return!
Will this question work every time? Of course not. Some things, like gas and groceries, are not easily negotiable. In those cases some smart shopping is in order.
However, for many other things, you can save money by asking the one question that saves money: Is that (REALLY) the best you can do? Try it this week!
I’m excited to hear your experiences using this question! What did you save money on? How much cash did you save? Tell me in the comments below (and help your family and friends save money by sharing this post)!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Tom,
I have used , IS THAT REALLY THE BEST YOU CAN DO? at the dentist ,any retail store, restaurants, for repair estimates and during other scenarios. Some have said no to me UNTIL I expressed that I will take my business elsewhere . Nine out of 10 they have stopped me from leaving and I was able to come out on top.
EXAMPLE
The dentist sent me a $700 dollar invoice for something we already agreed up on at a more reasonable price. He was adamant about the bill and I attempted to talk to him over the phone and my calls were not returned. I eventually made a personal visit to the office and with my persuasive skills he suddenly eliminated the bill that wasn’t suppose to be charged to me in the first place with such ease. As of now, our relationship is back on track.
That’s awesome! That’s great feedback. I’m happy to hear other people saving $$$ with that little power-phrase!
Agree – AND it’s so easy to do. THANKS for the free tip.
Jim
Hey Tom!
I love your posts about saving money and spending wisely. This one comes on the heels of needing to purchase a new microwave in a hurry last Saturday. (I mean how many days can you live without one?) We went to our favorite appliance store and chose a nice contemporary appliance and had no idea that the price tag would be so high. So after he gave us the “bottom line” price, we still asked your question. So we said, “Great, thanks, you’re our first stop, We’re gonna shop around and we’ll come back if we’re interested.” All of a sudden, he thought he wanted to ask his “manager to see if he could knock 50 bucks off.” We said, “thanks, don’t bother right now. We’re still gonna shop around first.” He said to come back and he’d beat the best price we could get. Lowe’s 1/2 mile away offered the microwave at the same price, but the sales guy OFFERED to get us their best price. He came back and said he could give us an additional 10%, $67, and we knew we could believe him. The guy was honest and we had no desire to go back to the other place. I’m calling him today and telling him why. Why? We were certain his best price really wasn’t his “best” price. They lost a refrigerator for our basement sale over Christmas for the same reason. We’ll give our major purchase business to those who can give us a fair and reasonable price when we walk in the door, not to those who want us to drive all over town and come back and beat their competitor’s price by $5. I didn’t write this to emphasize that you shouldn’t try and save every $5 you can, but to say that it’s good to be ready to walk out the door when you’re shopping for a big ticket item after they give you “their best price.” The truth comes out when they’re about to lose a sale and they know it.
Thanks again for all your posts. I’ll try and leave a comment more often.
FRESH OFF THE PRESSES!!!!
My husband and I were planning a one day getaway to Canada. All of the hotels we prefer to stay in were booked up except for a Queen room at one of the preferred hotel’s ,because of a Hockey Tournament . I booked their last room a regular Queen for 135.95 tax included 5 days earlier. As I was patiently waiting for my husband to get off work for the weekend, I heard maybe you should check for a cheaper price. I went on the hotel’s website and *BAM* there was a King Room for 118.59 available. I called the hotel to switch my reservation and the clerk decides she wants to play hard ball and claimed the website was lying. I told her I know how to solve this problem. I hung up and purchased the room off of the website. I then called her back recited the confirmation # and she complied and canceled my previous reservation . I saved 17.36. Even though she was difficult , I still thanked her for being patient with me .
Marlene, you are the Cash-Saving-Queen! Nice work and thanks for sharing with us all! It’s proof that with the right phrasology (and empathy) you can negotiate lower prices all the time! Keep your stories coming, Marlene!!!