Learning to Bargain Overseas

All International Movers are not the same.
IntlMOVE has a history of providing its customers with an exceptional international moving experience.
Although many of our clients are impressed with level of customer service they receive, the most important thing is that their household goods were delivered safely.
IntlMOVE will pack your household goods and personal effects with the utmost care.
IntlMOVE will then utilize its international network to coordinate the shipping and delivery of your personal items in the most cost efficient way.

Moving overseas will require getting used to many changes, which includes the way you shop.
Most Americans are not used to negotiating prices when shopping.
Of course, buying a car and a house are usually the only exceptions.
In general, some people are born to negotiate and some people shy away from the haggling experience.
When moving overseas, this might be a skill you need to acquire.
In places like Asia and the Middle East, you are expected to settle on a price after a few rounds of give and take.

At first, settling on a price can be a little intimidating because this is something most of us do not practice regularly.
In other countries, this is a way of life.
You have to learn to bargain to get a fair price at local markets.
Becoming a master price negotiator will take time and practice.
The worst think that can happen is someone will say no.
If you don’t ask, you won’t receive.
At the end of the bargaining process, most parties usually come out happy.
The vendor makes money and you feel like you paid a fair price for whatever item you want to buy.

Bargaining Tips

  • Buy in Bulk
    Buying in larger quantities will give you more bargaining power.
    Don’t buy more than you need, but if you purchase more of what you utilize regularly at one time you will save money.
  • Always Allow Room for Compromise
    If you start out with the highest price you are willing pay, the vendor will not usually accept that as your final offer.
    Start lower than you want to pay, so you can negotiate up to a price that is fair.
    Even if you offer an amount that is completely unlikely, you will still get a better price when the vendor counter offers.
    A good rule of thumb is to offer 40 or 50 percent less than your top price.
  • React with Shock
    Seasoned negotiators know that body language is a key element to successful negotiations.
    When the vendor counters your offer with an unreasonably high offer, show your disapproval by flinching or showing shock.
    Continue with the bargaining process until you get what you need.
  • Walk Away
    Walking away is a technique used by the savvy bargainer.
    The vendors don’t want to lose your sale, so they will likely ask you to come back and lower their last price.
    However, be prepared to give up the item you want if you utilize this tactic.
    It won’t look good if you have to come back if it is an item you really need.
  • Look for Flaws
    If an item is imperfect, try to get extra discounts.
  • Avoid Crowds
    Don’t let a lot of people hear the price you are negotiating.
    The vendor might be more unlikely to give you lower price if you have an audience.
  • Become a Regular Customer
    Developing relationships can help you in the bargaining process.
    If you keep giving vendors repeat business, they are likely to be more lenient when negotiating prices.
    Vendors will often reward your loyalty.
  • Be Fair
    Vendors sell their goods for their livelihood, so be fair when negotiating.
    If they are unwilling to come down a couple dollars, don’t push the issue.
    Remember that you need their items they have for sale, and they need to make a living.

About IntlMOVE

Comments

One Response to “Learning to Bargain Overseas”
  1. Charlie says:

    If you are moving to India with IntlMOVE, bargaining is a lot of fun. It is like a game! I learned how to bargain right after I moved to India. I didn’t have IntlMOVE ship my warm clothes overseas and it got cold! I went to the market and bought a long sleeve sweater at a market. I wasn’t really good at bargaining at that point, but I got better.

Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!