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A couple of weeks ago, I had to bring my wife’s vehicle to the mechanic, as her driver’s side window would no longer work. No only did it not operate, but the mechanism that held it up did not appear to be holding it any longer, causing it to fall into the open position while she was driving. While I normally like to attempt such repairs myself, this one seemed a little complicated, and I really did not have the time due to my busy schedule at work- I had a project with an upcoming deadline and I knew I would be working the next couple of Saturdays to get it completed on time. I also asked the mechanic to change the transmission fluid while I had it there as well. He gave me a very rough estimate of what it would cost, and told me he would call me later in the day with the final estimate. Shortly after lunch time, I realized he had not called me yet, so I called him up. He told me they were almost finished, and it should be ready in an hour or so. I mentioned to him that he had not called me back with the final price, and asked him what the total would be, and he told me it would be about $600 for everything. (from what he told me in the morning I was expecting in the $500 range, so I was not totally surprised.) I then asked him if he could do any better on the total price. Without hesitating, he told me he could knock off some of the labor charge for the window repair. When I went to pick up the car, sure enough, he knocked off about $150 worth of labor charges. All because I asked. Did I get that great of a deal? I am not really sure, it is hard to tell sometimes with services like car repair or services that are based on parts and labor charges. But I do know I paid less than I would have if I had not asked for a better price.
It never hurts to ask for a better price, the only thing someone can say to you is “No”. Obviously in certain situations, such as a retail establishment, where the price is clearly marked on an item it won’t work most of the time. But in situations where the price is not set or written down, it certainly won’t hurt to try.
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You are so right! I was buying some things for a new house at a furniture and appliance store: a dishwasher, an over-the-range microwave and a twin bed. I said to the manager, “I’m spending a lot o money here, can you cut me a deal?” And he did – he knocked $50 off the price. I would have been willing to pay the full price, but it just shows you it never hurts to ask!
I’ve also gotten deals on floor models and scratch n- dents. I figure, the worst they can say is “no” so why not try?!
@Christina:
Great point about the appliances, I may be looking for a new refrigerator in the not too distant future and will keep that in mind.
Indeed! It’s amazing how many places you can negotiate. I should try it at the grocery store sometime…
I am not sure I would be totally comfortable with my mechanic overcharging me $150 dollars and then quickly knocking money off the price when I ask. I am not sure, but something doesn’t feel right about it. I can’t explain it yet, maybe the idea of negotiating service prices after a task is complete is a new concept or that it just makes you feel like they are gouging you.
I know what you mean, and I was a little skeptical when he mentioned it on the phone. But what he did was knock off the entire labor charge for fixing the window mechanism. The part was @ $200 if i remember, and that was all they charged me for. Still not exactly sure why.
You can get a new transmission for $1000….you paid nearly that much just for servicing it? it almost pays to not have it serviced.