9 Things You Can Get Cheaper Just By Asking

In life, there are plenty of things you know you can negotiate — a higher salary, a lower interest rate, maybe even the price of a car or home. But what about the everyday things you might not think to haggle over?

There are few greater feelings than saving a couple of bucks, especially when all it took was asking. And while haggling for a better price isn’t a talent we’re all born with, or necessarily something we’re comfortable doing, you don’t have to be an aggressive negotiator to get a deal.

In fact, a polite question can sometimes be enough to unlock a discount, a waived fee, an upgrade, or a better rate. Businesses don’t always advertise their flexibility, and there’s often no harm in asking, as long as you’re prepared to hear “no.”

From monthly rent to vacation rentals, here are nine things you may be able to get cheaper simply by asking.

Department Store Purchases

Haggling may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re shopping at a department store or other major retailer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. A Consumer Reports analysis found that, of the relatively small percentage of people who attempted to negotiate prices on electronics when shopping in a store, 59% were successful and ended up saving an average of $84. Online shoppers walked away even happier: 69% of those who asked for a better deal got one, to the tune of an average of $94 in savings. (Consumer Reports recommends asking for a discount through a website’s instant customer chat service.)

Your best bet is to focus on big-ticket items, such as appliances or electronics, rather than a pair of jeans or a T-shirt. Inspect the item carefully: A small scratch, dent, frayed edge, or missing tag could give you a reason to ask for a discount. Be friendly and direct, and ask a salesperson, “What’s the best price you can give me?” If they don’t have the authority to negotiate, politely ask to speak with a department manager. Just remember that haggling isn’t standard practice at every store, so be prepared to hear no — and don’t make a scene if you do. 

Credit Card Fees

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans carry a staggering $1.26 trillion in debt on their credit cards. It’s the most common type of debt for people over 50, and a recent survey by the wealth management company Schroders found that a lot of retirees have more credit card debt than they do savings.

While tackling your credit card debt head-on can be a stressful task, the good news is, it’s actually one of the easiest bills to negotiate. That can be especially important for older adults living on fixed incomes, who may have less room in their budgets to absorb high interest rates or monthly payments. According to a recent report from LendingTree, an astounding 84% of credit card users who asked for a lower interest rate got one, with an average reduction of 6.3 points. “This isn’t a new phenomenon,” Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, told USA Today. “This is just something that banks do. And people’s chances of getting their way are way better than they think they are. But they have to ask.” 

If you’re facing more serious financial hardship, some credit card issuers also offer programs that can temporarily reduce interest rates or payments. And while there’s no government program that simply wipes out credit card debt, some borrowers may qualify for debt settlement, which can reduce the total amount they ultimately owe.

Even if you aren’t able to secure an interest rate change, your chances of having any standard fees waived — for late payments, foreign transactions, balance transfers, or even annual fees — are quite high.

Rent

According to a 2024 Census Bureau report, nearly half of all renters spend about 30% of their total yearly income on rent, which means that every dollar counts. While your ability to negotiate the monthly rent price will likely depend on demand for that particular property, it never hurts to ask. Do some research on comparable rentals in the area, and if you’re a reliable tenant or willing to sign a longer lease, use that to your advantage. If the landlord won’t budge on the rent itself, you can always ask for other concessions, such as waived fees, free parking, or a month of free rent.

Furniture

Once you’ve locked in a great deal on that new apartment, you’re going to need some furniture to fill it with. And that price tag on the sofa or dining set you’ve had your eye on isn’t necessarily the final word. 

You may have more luck if you’re buying multiple pieces, and stores may be willing to negotiate on floor models, clearance items, or pieces with minor cosmetic damage. If there’s no wiggle room on the price, try asking for extras instead, such as free delivery or assembly. And before you agree to anything, check prices at competing stores so you know whether you’re actually getting a deal. 

Mattresses

A mattress is a big purchase, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay the price printed on the tag. In fact, Consumer Reports recommends negotiating when buying a mattress, and says of the 22% of customers who did ask for a deal, an impressive 63% were successful — and ended up saving a median of $258. 

Start by checking prices at competing retailers so you have some leverage, then ask whether the store can match a lower price or offer a discount. You can also negotiate extras: If the price is as firm as the mattress, try asking for free delivery, old-mattress removal, or accessories such as pillows or a mattress protector. And if you’re shopping in a store, don’t be afraid to take your time. A salesperson may be more willing to sweeten the deal than lose the sale.

Auto Insurance

Your car insurance premium isn’t exactly something you can haggle over. Insurers have to file their rates with state regulators, so a salesperson generally can’t simply knock $50 off your monthly bill. But you can still find ways to pay less. 

Start by getting quotes from at least three insurers, then ask about every discount you might qualify for, including safe driving, low mileage, paperless billing, and bundling discounts. Raising your deductible can also lower your premium, although you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. And if you have an older car that’s paid off and worth relatively little, consider whether you still need collision and comprehensive coverage. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the risk before dropping coverage. 

If you’re shopping for a new ride, find out how the vehicle will affect your insurance costs ahead of time; a vehicle that seems like a steal could end up costing more than another option you’re looking at once you factor in the monthly insurance premium. Because rates can change, it’s also worth repeating this price comparison exercise every six to 12 months (or whenever your policy renews) to make sure you’re still getting the best price possible.

Car Repairs

If you don’t know a thing about cars, a trip to the auto mechanic with a whirring in your wheel or buzzing in your belt can feel like a terrifying endeavor. Will it be a simple fix covered by your warranty, or could you be looking at a $5,000 bill? 

If you don’t already have a trusted mechanic, be sure to ask friends, family, and co-workers if they have someone they can recommend. But even then, it pays to understand the problem and shop around for the best pricing. Direct Auto Insurance suggests taking notes on everything the mechanic tells you is wrong, then doing your own research and getting additional quotes from other shops. Even then, don’t just go with the lowest price; let your preferred shop know if you’re being quoted a better price elsewhere, and see if they’ll budge on the total. 

Here’s an interesting wrinkle: A study conducted by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management found that women who appeared to understand the issue with their car were given a better price 35% of the time they asked for one, compared with their male counterparts, who succeeded only 25% of the time.

Vacation Rental

All this haggling can be exhausting. But when it’s time to start thinking of a vacation, remember that the price isn’t necessarily set in stone — especially if you’re dealing directly with a rental property owner through a site like Airbnb or VRBO. 

Before you make an offer, do some research on comparable properties in the area so you know what’s reasonable. You may have more leverage if you’re traveling during an off-peak period, booking a longer stay, or filling a last-minute opening. And don’t be afraid to ask whether there’s any flexibility on the nightly rate or fees. A polite, reasonable request can go a long way, particularly if you’re offering something valuable to the owner, like a longer booking or flexible dates. 

If you’d prefer to stay at a hotel, you may even be able to get a better price on a room, too — you’ll have more luck if you call the hotel’s front desk directly. 

Home Repairs

Buying a home is one of the costliest purchases you’ll ever make and can come with a long list of things that need fixing. But you don’t necessarily have to foot the entire bill yourself. 

If a home inspection turns up major problems, such as a leaky roof, faulty electrical system, plumbing issues, or structural defects, you may be able to negotiate with the seller before closing. Rather than presenting a laundry list of minor cosmetic complaints, focus on the repairs that affect the home’s safety, structure, or functionality. Get estimates from qualified contractors so you know what the work is likely to cost, then ask the seller to make the repairs, lower the purchase price, or provide a credit at closing that you can use to handle the work yourself. Keep your requests reasonable and backed by the inspection report, and make sure what you agree upon is documented in writing. 

Already own your home? You can negotiate with contractors, too. Get multiple estimates and use competing quotes to see if there’s flexibility on labor, materials, or the timing of the project.

_{Featured Image Credit: © Ljustina/stock.adobe.com}