DIY Life

I took a negotiations class a couple of years ago. I really rocked it. Seriously, I was amazing. I had people giving up their land and walking away winners. Does this make me a master haggler? Not at all. While I was great in class I just can't seem to translate those skills to the outside world. I don't think I'm unique in this struggle. Most people are pretty comfortable in a setting designed for negotiation but freeze up when things are unstructured.

How to haggle, offers 12 steps to effective haggling. These aren't your typical negotiation tips, but truly applicable pointers designed to get you through an unstructured haggle successfully. The first tip is to stop caring what people think of you. I think that getting over this alone is half the challenge for many of us.We are so preoccupied with not looking cheap or rude that we don't initiate the negotiation. If you're willing to pay the ticket price, why would the seller ask for anything less? You need to be the one that opens the door and suggests a new price. Don't worry about looking unreasonable. They'll either engage you, or they won't, but you're no worse off for trying.

If you're a budding actor, this might be your chance to show off some of those skills. Even if you're overflowing with excitement on the inside, keep your cool and don't let them in on how much you like the product. You have to be willing to walk away. Bring your partner along or call them on the phone. Let the seller see you consult with a reluctant partner, and they will be quick to offer a solution the pleases both of you. Transferring the power to an outside person lets you play the "good guy" and still insist on a better deal.

Give this a try as you gather those last few Christmas gifts. What's the harm?