Thread: The 'Art" of Negotiation

Originally Posted by Jimbo

In my mind medical insurance exists because of the exorbitant costs the medical "profession" (and I use that term lightly) have managed to foist on us over the years. Why are we not complaining about the cost of machines that go "ping"? Or the "Specialist" who turns up, cups your testicles for 30 seconds, and charges you $500 for the privilege? If medical treatment didn't cost ridiculous, unmerited, and unscrutinised prices, health insurance would be very much more affordable.

James.

Well medical expenses were affordable and reasonable until the insurance game came along.
I do agree that doctors walk in a hospital room, look at the chart, sign it and bam, $$$$$.
However, when you were allowed to go to the Dr. then just pay for your service, it was reasonable.
That is a thing of the past. (except Texas I hear)

Originally Posted by JBHoren

I think this is THE crux of the matter: specifically, if you can shop other companies. Sadly, here in SoFLA so many of our "choices" are no longer choices.

Cable TV: Besides Comcast, there is no other provider; and DirecTV/Dish are non-starters (cableTV is included in condo association dues, and no external dishes are allowed).

Telephone: Having landline phone service is a "must", given the hurricane/tropical storm activity -- when the electricity goes out, cellphone's stop working (as do cordless landline phones).

Internet: Cable or telephone company (DSL), take your pick... but there aren't any discounts (and you'll be among the lucky, if your download/upload speeds are anywhere near the advertised speeds for which you're already paying.)

As for automobile insurance... well, I can't afford either a beater OR the insurance coverage (we won't even discuss gasoline or upkeep).

I guess I'll just spend more time honing...

Once the battery die that power the land lines you would lose that too.
they have a battery back up i think for something like 4 hours i ask my dad in the morning how
long it is. but when folks lose power everyone jumps on the phone start asking their freinds did you lose power.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

One thing that being in the car business taught me is everything is negotiable, Everything

What brought this up was in the last week I received my Home Phone bill and my Car Insurance bill for the past 2 years my phone bill has been $50-$54 I had negotiated that bill when we decided that we really did not need the home phone other then for emergency calls... This phone bill bumped up to $67 last month $64 so I called..


I simply asked "Why" ??? I got the "Well our prices have changed", my response "And your services haven't" ??? I then explained that like everyone else, I have to really think about whether a land line is even needed any longer, our house has set that need at $50, if the bill stays in that range we "Need" it once it goes over that range we no longer "Need" it.. Putting the ball back in their court, their response was "Well sir we can adjust the payment for the next 2 years" I said "Good idea, I'll keep the phone for the next 2 years and we'll talk then" savings = $408


Car Insurance was the same it jumped $52 for 6 months I called "Why" ??? answer "Well our premium for Idaho went up" my response "Hmmmm 5 years and no claims, my vehicles have only gone down in value which means less monetary exposer for your company, and I have added 2 ATVs and a Boat to the policy since we began"
Them "Well sir our premium for Idaho has changed"
Me "Hmmm ok let me put this another way, at $52 more I start shopping, just like I did when you got me as a customer in the first place"
Them "Well Sir we do have a discount that may apply let me check and get back with you"
Me "Good idea"

Savings = $104 per year


Total for the next 2 years $616 that is some more razors


Every business right now is all about customer retention, if they raise the prices for no apparent reason call and ask "Why" ??? especially if you can shop other companies...

yea, so, I want that loaded new pickup at half price or I'll go somewhere else.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

yea, so, I want that loaded new pickup at half price or I'll go somewhere else.

I perty sure that would never ever work.

I negotiate just about everything lol. Almost every retail store has a manager waiting to give me 10-20% off with their little managers discount code I always ask "is this the best you can do?" Then they offer the discount. Most places have their prices inflated, so I figure the discount brings it closer to the reasonable cost.

Electric and Utility bills are what they are and I don't like them.

Many other bills are negotiable or there are other choices.

You can cut your own hair and as well all know you can stop using expensive cartridge razor blades.

I cancelled my phone land line and now use Magic Jack with the same cordless phone I was using before and now pay $30 a year rather than $35 a month.

I don't have cable TV but can watch most shows for free on my computer at Project Free TV - Watch all your favorite tv shows and movies online free

You can buy DE blades and shaving soap in bulk and cut the prices in half or more.

There are many ways to cuts costs without cutting convenience or quality at all. I find that to be fun!