Today’s Norwich Bulletin features my report on haggling. I conducted a shopping experiment last week at stores in Lisbon Landing and in Putnam, CT. My focus was on those stores because most people assume large stores like Home Depot and Walmart would be less open to bargaining.
However, it’s important to realize that dealing with small store owners just might allow for greater opportunity in negotiating.
Jim Kuper, owner of Freeman Sales and Service in Putnam, emailed me this morning, as he felt concerned that I was giving undeserved attention to big box stores. I later phoned him to learn more about his point-of-view.
Jim Says, “We try to give the customer the best bang for the buck. Especially if they’ll use cash; we can avoid the credit card fees. Everything is negotiable.”
Small stores are struggling. Jim said. “We never charged for delivery before. Now we have a $50 delivery charge in place because of increasing fuel prices.”
However, Jim added, “If the delivery location is nearby, that can be waived.”
Freeman Sales and Service is located on Route 171, close to the Putnam, Thompson and Woodstock line (near the Xtra Mart convenience store and Dunkin Donuts). They’ve been in business for 24 years. Big stores like Tractor Supply Company and Lowes have recently moved into the area, and Jim admits feeling the squeeze.
With only three employees, Jim can’t afford the increased payroll costs to be open more hours to more effectively compete with the larger stores.
But it’s in service that Freeman Sales and Service has the advantage.
“We provide service for MTD - Riding Mowers (Cub Cadet and Troy Built), no matter if the tractor came from their store or a big box location.
Freeman Sales & Services Inc
42 Woodstock Ave W, Putnam
My haggling story focused on large stores where buyers most often consider bargaining off-limits.
Independently owned establishments may be better positioned to negotiate in some cases.
Photo by John Shishmanian of The Norwich Bulletin
In general:
However, it’s important to realize that dealing with small store owners just might allow for greater opportunity in negotiating.
Jim Kuper, owner of Freeman Sales and Service in Putnam, emailed me this morning, as he felt concerned that I was giving undeserved attention to big box stores. I later phoned him to learn more about his point-of-view.
Jim Says, “We try to give the customer the best bang for the buck. Especially if they’ll use cash; we can avoid the credit card fees. Everything is negotiable.”
Small stores are struggling. Jim said. “We never charged for delivery before. Now we have a $50 delivery charge in place because of increasing fuel prices.”
However, Jim added, “If the delivery location is nearby, that can be waived.”
Freeman Sales and Service is located on Route 171, close to the Putnam, Thompson and Woodstock line (near the Xtra Mart convenience store and Dunkin Donuts). They’ve been in business for 24 years. Big stores like Tractor Supply Company and Lowes have recently moved into the area, and Jim admits feeling the squeeze.
With only three employees, Jim can’t afford the increased payroll costs to be open more hours to more effectively compete with the larger stores.
But it’s in service that Freeman Sales and Service has the advantage.
“We provide service for MTD - Riding Mowers (Cub Cadet and Troy Built), no matter if the tractor came from their store or a big box location.
Freeman Sales & Services Inc
42 Woodstock Ave W, Putnam
My haggling story focused on large stores where buyers most often consider bargaining off-limits.Independently owned establishments may be better positioned to negotiate in some cases.
Photo by John Shishmanian of The Norwich Bulletin
Read my report on haggling: Sometimes, price tag is only a starting point in today’s Norwich Bulletin.
Below are a few tips from the report that I compiled for better luck at bargaining.
Below are a few tips from the report that I compiled for better luck at bargaining.
In general:
- Compare prices before shopping. Look online and print out pages featuring the lowest prices for what you want to buy. Also check competitive store offers.
- Always be polite.
- If you get nowhere with a clerk, ask to speak with the manager.
- Simply ask, "What's your best price?"
- Independently owned stores may have more flexibility with their pricing.
- Regular customers may have better luck. The store won't want to lose the business.
- There's more bargaining room with big-ticket items.
- Check for imperfect goods. Look for loose threads and missing buttons on clothing, scratches and dents, damaged packaging, etc.
- Ask about upcoming sales. Request the sale price, especially if it's just before or after a sale.
- Propose a volume discount.
- Don't act like you want the item too badly. Be prepared to walk away.
- If you can't get up the nerve up to haggle in person, try e-mail. It's easier not dealing face-to-face.
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