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It might seem like an exclusive perk of the brazen or the well-connected, but the truth is, anyone has a shot at a discount. Below, pro strategies on how to go for it—without coming off as a total cheapskate.
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Laura Schocker
Laura Schocker
Laura Schocker is an editor and writer with more than a decade of experience. She is the former digital director at Real Simple and acting editor in chief at Apartment Therapy. Highlights: * Writing featured in The Kitchn, The Nest, Everyday Health, Travel + Leisure, and more * Former executive editor at The Huffington Post's Healthy Living vertical * Worked at The Knot, Prevention, and Condé Nast Traveler
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Mia Taylor
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1.-Mia-Taylor-headshot-2020-0ad57abcea5547a7bfa5b9a381809967.jpg "Here's How to Politely Ask for a Discount (1)")
Mia Taylor
Mia Taylor is a journalist who has two decades of professional expertise. She specializes in writing about personal finance and travel topics.
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Updated on February 23, 2023
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Isaac Winter
Fact checked byIsaac Winter
Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years.
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There's no shame in asking for a discount before spending your hard-earned money on everything from furniture and clothes to recurring household bills. Nearly everything is open to negotiation as long as you do your research, come to the table well-informed, and know the right way to ask. Here are some expert tips for politely asking for a discount.
Furniture
"Just because a price tag displays a certain number doesn't mean it's final," says Nicole Lapin, a financial expert and the author of Rich Bitch. You can research online prices and ask if a store will match that—or try for a discounted floor sample.
What to do: Strike up a conversation with a friendly salesperson, and lead with a compliment: "I love your store and really want to buy this piece. Is this the best price you can give me today? What if I take a floor model off your hands?"
Good to know: Appliance stores will often discount floor samples.
Clothing
There could be specials running that you know nothing about—and in all likelihood, the charm will get you everywhere.
What to do: Ask at the register if the store has any coupons or deals running that you can take advantage of, suggests Lapin. If you left a coupon at home, just say so. Often the store will honor it anyway.
Good to know: If you're trying for a discount on a damaged item, stay positive: "I like this top, but it looks stretched out. I shop here all the time. Is it possible to get a discount?"
Cable Bill
Many cable companies offer introductory rates for new customers, but over time your bill can skyrocket, says Laura Adams, a personal finance expert and the author of Money Girl's Smart Moves to Grow Rich. It's always a good idea to call and ask for a lower rate. The company may comply, even if you've had the service for a while. There also may be new specials or discounts available that the company can offer you to help reduce your rate.
What to do: Be direct. "I need to cut expenses, and I'm not happy with what I'm paying for my cable service. Do you have any promotions right now?" If you don't make any headway, tell the customer service rep that you're a loyal customer but your friend has a better plan with another company. Still no luck? Call back and try again with someone else.
Good to know: Similar strategies may work for your cell phone bill and credit card interest rate.
Medical Bills
Some doctors and hospitals will negotiate. "A little research is a valuable weapon," says Lapin.
What to do: Request an itemized bill, and make sure there aren't any errors. Then go to fairhealthconsumer.org (a health-cost resource similar to the Kelley Blue Book for car prices) and look at typical costs for treatments in your area. Next, call your doctor and ask for a rate reduction. If you're in a particularly bad situation, you can claim financial hardship.
Good to know: "You can't stick your head in the sand. You have to act within 90 days," says Lapin. "Once a bill goes into collection, it's much harder to negotiate."
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