Do research on the product and competition. If you can quote the prices of the competition to the person you’re making a deal with, you will have the upper hand and they will be more likely to compromise. It helps to bring proof so get ready to pull your phone and show their competitor’s website. Believe me, nobody wants to lose business to a competitor.

Before you even negotiate, make sure you know what’s the price that you will without a doubt refuse to accept.

Asking for their name and using it often can help build rapport. People tend to love hearing their own names.

If the price is non-negotiable or they’ve gone as low as they can already, then see if they can throw in things like Free delivery, or free accessories.

There might be someone higher up who can listen to your complaints and give you a better deal. But do your best to be friendly, cuz no one wants to negotiate with a jerk.

If possible scope the area first and pay attention to match the body language and enthusiasm of the person you’ll be negotiating with. This is easy to do as you can just say you’re browsing if anyone tries to help you. So watch them interact with other customers and ask yourself, do they have high energy, or are they low and calm? This way you can match them later. Matching your body language tells the person, “Hey we’re on the same page, we have the same mindset, so let’s both be happy with the end results”

Start your negotiations leaning in, and when you disagree with the pricing, slightly lean your body back. Subconsciously they’ll pick up that they said something you don’t like, and the negotiation might even start tipping your way. You should also watch their body language incase they’re doing the same. It’s funny you can even do this with a car salesman, they’ll say, the price is “$12,000” then you lean back and then they’ll say, “Ughh but i’ll throw in this and that.” They’ll start to negotiate with themselves.

Silence can create pressure. It can make people feel uncomfortable and can make them crack. If they throw in a price you disagree with, or right after you challenge them on something and they respond, consider pausing for an extra two-three seconds longer than usual, like you’re not impressed

Is the negotiation a necessity or is it just an opportunity? Ask yourself if one or both parties can walk away from the deal. In a divorce for example, an agreement is required from both parties. Because you’ll have more power in negotiations if you know the person needs what you’re offering right now. Sometimes people just want to get rid of their stuff. Like for Craiglists, you could arrive at their place and simply say, “Listen I know you asked for $50 ,but all I got is $40 right now. Do you want it?” And many times they’ll say yes without arguing.

If you really can’t settle on on an agreement, then always have an escape plan, especially if you don’t want to be rude and just leave. Like tell the person you have some other meeting or appointment to go to.

Telling people your Worst case scenario from tip #3 can change what was a win-win situation, to a Lose for them. Don’t tell them at the beginning, middle and certainly not at the end

If you’re selling and bundling things or services, don’t break down the prices for each item. Just give the total price and say what it includes or what you’re going to do, Otherwise people might ask to remove certain items that they don’t want or could get cheaper somewhere else. But if you’re buying, then try to salami the person so you get only what you need.

Next, to help get you started, practice giving a reason, and then offering a price.

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I was thinking more like…$50,000

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The other store has this for just $60, would you take it for $40?

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I’ve been a customer for 2 years, could you reduce my bills to $60?

Now for After you’ve done all you can to get the best offer, try to get one last punch by asking, “Is that the best you can do? Practice this in the mirror using different inflection points.