15 things you can negotiate but most people don’t

Most of us walk into a store or open a bill and treat the price tag like it is a law written in stone. We worry that asking for a better deal makes us look cheap or difficult, so we quietly pay full price while complaining about inflation to our friends. But treating prices as suggestions rather than rules can save you a small fortune every single year.

Money is tighter than a wet swimsuit these days, and companies are banking on your silence to keep their profits high. You are leaving serious cash on the table by keeping your mouth shut and accepting the first number you see. It is time to embrace your inner dealmaker and stop overpaying for things that are actually quite flexible.

Medical Bills And Hospital Costs

You might assume that the invoice you receive from a hospital is final, but billing departments frequently have significant flexibility. A recent survey by LendingTree revealed that 93% of consumers who tried to negotiate a medical bill were successful in lowering the amount. That is a staggering success rate for a task that simply requires a phone call and some patience.

Request an itemized statement first to check for common errors like duplicate charges or services you never actually received during your visit. Many hospitals offer charity care or generous discounts if you offer to pay the total adjusted amount immediately in cash. Your health is expensive enough without paying full price for administrative overhead and inflated service fees.

Credit Card Interest Rates

If you have a history of making on-time payments, your credit card issuer wants to keep you as a customer rather than lose you to a competitor. Data 403 shows that 83% of people who asked for a lower APR in the last year received one, according to LendingTree. It takes five minutes to call customer service and make the request.

Mention offers you received in the mail from rival banks to put a little pressure on the representative to match those terms. If they cannot drop the rate, ask them to waive the annual fee as a consolation prize for your loyalty. Banks prefer lowering your APR over losing your business entirely to a rival company.

Monthly Rent Payments

Landlords dread vacancies because an empty unit costs them money every single day that it sits without a tenant. Smart renters know that signing a longer lease is a great bargaining chip for securing a lower monthly rate. You have the most power right before your current lease expires or during the slower winter months.

Research comparable apartments in your neighborhood to prove to your landlord that you have cheaper options just down the street. If they refuse to budge on the rent price, ask for free parking or a waived pet fee instead. Good tenants are hard to find, so remind them why they should keep you around.

Gym Memberships And Initiation Fees

Fitness centers are famous for hidden fees, but sales managers have strict quotas to hit every single month. Walking away from the initial offer often makes them magically waive the signup cost to close the deal. The end of the month is the perfect time to strike a bargain.

Ask them to match a competitor’s price or throw in a few personal training sessions to sweeten the membership package. Even big corporate chains have more flexibility than their printed brochures suggest to the average customer. You should never pay the enrollment fee when so many gyms are desperate for new members.

Cable And Internet Packages

Loyalty rarely pays off with internet providers since new customers always seem to get the best teaser rates. Consumer Reports indicates that nearly one-third of those who negotiate their cable or internet bill get a discount or better terms. You have to be willing to threaten cancellation to get transferred to the retention department.

Call them and plainly state that the bill is too high and you are switching providers if they cannot help you. They almost always have a promotional rate available to stop you from leaving for a competitor. The retention specialist has the power to override standard pricing to keep your account active.

Mattress Prices In Retail Stores

The markup on sleep products is massive, leaving plenty of room for you to haggle with the sales staff. Retailers actually expect you to negotiate, which is why the sticker price is inflated in the first place. Never accept the first price they show you on the showroom floor.

If the salesperson claims the price is fixed, ask for free pillows, sheets, or a delivery discount to add value. You can also ask to buy a floor model for a steep reduction if you are not picky. Your comfort matters, but paying retail prices for a bed is a financial nightmare.

Car Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies often creep up their rates hoping you are too busy to notice the gradual increase in your bill. Kiplinger reports that customers who shop around and switch insurers save an average of $100 or more. Call your agent to review your policy for discounts you might be missing.

Ask about safe driver rewards, low mileage discounts, or bundling home and auto policies to reduce the total cost. Mention a lower quote from another agency to see if they can beat it to keep you. Loyalty to one insurer usually results in paying more than necessary for the same coverage.

Home Repair And Contractor Work

Contractors often build a buffer into their estimates for unexpected costs or simply to increase their profit margins. Getting at least three quotes gives you the leverage to ask your preferred builder to match the lowest price. Be respectful, but firm about your budget constraints during the discussion.

Offer to pay in cash or manage the cleanup yourself to lower the labor costs associated with the project. You can also negotiate the timing of the work during their slow season for a better rate. Flexibility on your timeline can translate into significant savings on your final invoice.

Furniture With Slight Imperfections

A tiny scratch on a dining table can save you a bundle if you point it out to the manager. Store owners want to clear damaged inventory quickly because it takes up valuable floor space. Inspect every inch of the item you want to buy before purchasing.

Ask for a discount of twenty percent or more for any visible wear and tear that you find. Most stores have a policy for “scratch and dent” items that they do not explicitly advertise. Don’t be shy about asking for a deal on goods that are less than perfect.

Salary And Employee Benefits

Talking about money is uncomfortable, but silence costs you immense earnings over the course of your career. Fidelity Investments reports that 85% of Americans who countered on salary or benefits got at least some of what they asked for. Do not just accept the first offer letter you receive.

If they cannot meet your salary number, ask for more vacation days or a flexible remote work schedule. Sign-on bonuses and stock options are often easier for companies to adjust than base pay. Your future self will thank you for having the courage to ask for more.

Real Estate Closing Costs

Buying a home is expensive, but many fees at the closing table are actually open for discussion. Lenders and title companies charge various administrative fees that can be reduced or waived if you push back. Review the loan estimate line by line to identify junk fees.

Ask the seller to cover some of the closing costs as part of the purchase agreement to save cash. You can also shop around for cheaper title insurance or inspection services rather than using their suggestions. Every dollar you save at closing is money you can use for moving expenses.

Major Home Appliances

We often assume the price tag on a washing machine or refrigerator is final, but that is rarely the truth. Few people haggle for appliances, but those who do give themselves a chance to earn cut costs. You are leaving money on the table if you pay the sticker price.

Ask about upcoming sales or if they can sell you a returned item that is still in good condition. Bundling a washer and dryer together should always trigger a conversation about a bulk discount. Salespeople have leeway to drop prices to move big inventory off their floor.

Jewelry And Engagement Rings

Jewelry stores have incredibly high markups, especially on diamonds and engagement rings, which gives you room to bargain. Independent jewelers have much more flexibility to lower prices than the big mall chains do. Cash is king in this industry and can trigger a discount.

Do your research on gem quality so you can discuss the value intelligently with the jeweler. If the price is firm, negotiate for a better setting or a free wedding band included. Walking away is your best tactic to get the jeweler to call you back.

Subscription Services And Software

We collect subscriptions like dust, and companies count on our inertia to keep paying the monthly fee. Threatening to cancel your service is the quickest way to unlock a hidden discount or free month. This works for everything from satellite radio to meal kits.

Check your account settings online for a “cancel” button which often triggers an automated retention deal. If that fails, a quick chat with support can yield a lower annual rate. It only takes a few clicks to save money on services you use every day.

Bank Overdraft And Late Fees

Banks make a fortune on fees, but they also have the discretion to waive them for polite customers. If you have been a long-time client, most branch managers will reverse a fee if you simply ask. This applies to overdraft charges and monthly maintenance fees.

Call the customer service line and explain that the charge was an oversight and that you are otherwise a responsible customer. If you see recurring fees, tell them you are considering moving your account to a free bank. Your banking history gives you leverage to demand better treatment for your money.

Like our content? Be sure to follow us