Many modern consumers find the very idea of negotiating a price awkward and somewhat harrowing. However, when it comes to sourcing quotes for your wedding, it is very easy to fall into the trap of accepting prices that may not be realistic or fair, simply because we do not know better or feel uncomfortable with challenging the quoted amount. Weddings are already very expensive affairs. Can you afford to spend money unnecessarily? If not, here are some tips to haggling a better price with your suppliers (remembering that no supplier will ever go without making some sort of profit, so you are not cheating him or her out of their financial rewards):

Cringe at the Cost

The most effective tactic to getting a supplier to lower their price is to cringe, flinch or recoil upon hearing or seeing the cost. Any good supplier will value your business more than the few extra Rands he can make by charging more. This means that, when you express shock, he or she is likely to negotiate more willingly in order to keep your business. You may frown, look surprised, or exclaim “How much?!” to convey your disdain effectively. The supplier will either explain the high cost or will immediately begin to offer cheaper alternatives.

Know the Game

Understand that many wedding suppliers actually expect for their clients to request a discount, so they jack up their prices to accommodate for such concessions. Do not be suckered into then paying the full amount when that is just set on the off-chance that someone will be naive enough to pay it. If they are not budging on the price, try to point out any flaws with the items (e.g. scratches or dents) or service (e.g. not really having as many staff members as you needed or your having to sacrifice your ideal starter for their menu options). This will make their offering look less valuable and will give you added power to negotiate.

Be Educated

Do your homework before attempting to negotiate with anyone. Know how much you should be paying for specific items and services. Decide on what is the maximum price you will pay for an item and do not compromise, as this will only interfere with your budget and force you to compromise in other areas. It will be very clear that you are aware of the fair price for an item or service if you have some comparative information. This is likely to sway the provider as they definitely do not want you to go to their competition. It is also vital that you find out more about your provider; such as how their quality compares with that of their rivals and what extras are included in their price.

Practice Makes Perfect

The only way to become confident about negotiating prices is to do it more often. Take opportunities when visiting the market, chatting to work-related suppliers and even asking for a price break from your local fashion store. Saying things like “that’s too expensive” (wait for response) or “what discounts are you offering today?” will teach you the confidence you need when organising your wedding.

Stick to Your Guns

If the store or supplier cannot give you the price you can reasonably afford to pay, walk away. Look around for cheaper suppliers or try to find similar, but more cost-effective, options. If you are not able to and the product or service is absolutely required, then rethink your budget and go back. Do not make this a hasty decision, though. Keep the power in your hands.

Images Courtesy of No Knows Weddings

This article was posted by Celebration.co.za - South Africa Wedding Guide.