Voted Yes.
Happy to see discussions on this topic! I just thought I’d pour my heart out
I’m neither an industry expert in procurement nor an excellent negotiator. I happen to start off my career in Sales but soon got the opportunity to work in the Procurement department. Not many would see this ’Profile change’ as the best move to make to enhance ones career path, but I have enjoyed my time more in procurement rather than in Sales. Something that I’m really happy about is that this domain has got me very interested in knowing more about ‘how’ to negotiate.
I have been learning more and more about the aspects of negotiation, from my daily interactions and experiences.
One person who has really influenced and impressed me with his Negotiation skills is my father. Over a long period of time, I have slowly started to understand this process. At times, I used to wonder - What’s the use of comparing prices across soo many shops and wasting our time and energy? Why don’t we just go to the nearest shop and buy whatever we want to? I have now come to realise, after applying the very same principles in daily professional life, that it actually makes sense. Something that felt futile and vague, suddenly carries a lot of meaning now. Negotiation is no rocket science. You don’t have to be a master negotiator to get the deal at a rock bottom price. The objective is simply to pick the best amongst the given options. Yes, you do need some motivation and belief in the fact that good things can come in a better price! All good products need not be extremely expensive! A few pointers that I feel are crucial in getting a better deal -
1. Every negotiation must have a ‘basis’
It’s the underlying rule why we ‘compare’ dealers or shops or outlets. Unless you have a price basis in mind, it’s very difficult to bring the prices down. Negotiating without a basis is like negotiating in thin air, without any reference point! If you don’t have a price comparison, the dealer knows that you are unaware of the market prices and he will refuse to negotiate
2. Budgeting
Sticking to a budget helps bring down the cost at times
3. Having alternatives/substitutes
The simple fact that you can choose to buy another product can help you bring down the cost
4. Having multiple vendors
This is simply to spread your risk across vendors. In case your preferred shop is shut, you should have another shop to go to
5. Understanding the ‘scope’ where negotiation is possible/ Asking for price breakup
Not every aspect of the product pricing is negotiable. The final price is made up after adding different types of headers or segments. Try to find where there is a possibility to negotiate. For eg. While buying a new car, the ex-showroom price may be non negotiable, but - insurance, accessories, extended warranty, logistics cost, vehicle availability in stock, RTO charges etc. all are potential negotiation points.
6. Negotiation happens in phases
You may not achieve the best deal in one shot! It takes time and a few iterations. For eg. By the 3rd iteration you have gathered all your data and are in a position to throw a ‘take it or lose it’ bet to the dealer. You are bound to get a better price or the dealer will match your expected price. The trick is to not show all your cards at once.
7. Negotiation is not emotional (Generally!)
Ultimately it’s the best deal that wins. There’s no hard feelings for the sales guy for trying hard. It’s his job. He’ll try to do the best he can to win a customer. However, it’s the emotional card that they play which is what disturbs the entire process and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. You either give-in to the explanations or fight and go away from the shop. Ultimately, it leaves a bad experience and leaves you unsatisfied. That is when the iterations are required. Once you establish the rapport, it’s the best deal that takes the Order. And nobody is offended.
8. Customer is king!
Since you are the customer, take the lead in directing the flow of information your way. The key is to give less info and extract the most. The moment you give too much info than what is required, your chances of negotiating reduce.
I’m sure these pointers don’t appear as rocket-science to anyone. It’s simple and can be practised by anyone!