The recession has hit many businesses hard. They can empathize that you, like them, need to pinch pennies. Plus, they will do almost anything to keep from losing more business. Now is the perfect time to break out your negotiation skills, whatever they may be, and save money. Here are three bills you should be negotiating:
1. Your Doctor Bill
This is one of those bills you thought was
taboo to negotiate, right? Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. Doctors are used to negotiating rates with insurers all the time.
If you have to fork over mucho dinero for a treatment, offer to pay cash upfront in exchange for a discount of 10% to 20%. Most hospitals and clinics would be glad to accept your offer so they don’t have to spend time and money collecting later.
If you don’t have health insurance, ask for the discounted rate the insurance companies receive instead of paying the full “retail” cost. You can also ask to be put on a payment plan don’t have the cash upfront. Sometimes doctors will let you make payments for six to twelve months without you ever paying a dime in interest!
2. Your Dry Cleaning Bill
Many small businesses are struggling and dry cleaners are being hit twice. The recession has forced many people to cut out non-essential spending, like dry cleaning.
If you are a loyal customer, ask for a standing 15% discount when no other customers are around. You can also offer to pay cash for additional money off your services.
Transition fees for using you debit/credit card can eat a chuck out a drycleaner’s profit. They will no doubt be happier to give you, their loyal customer a discount, rather than paying VISA yet more of their hard-earned money.
3. Your Hotel Bill
Since staycations have become the next best thing to a real vacation, hotel occupancy has plummeted. Not to mention companies have slashed their employee travel budgets and are instead turning to cheaper ways to meet, like video conferencing. Hotel occupancy rates are expected to be down 55% this year!
How can you profit from the hotel industry’s unfortunate plight? Call the hotel directly rather than booking your plans through an online service. Ask to speak to the reservation manager about receiving a discount for choosing their place to stay. Mention that you are a repeat customer, if it applies, and you’ll have more sway as a loyal customer.
If you are unable to strike a deal, ask for a free upgrade, like a suite, breakfast, or all-access to the hotel amenities.
Have you negotiated a household bill recently? What was your experience?
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