10 Things Most People Don’t Realize Are Negotiable

Unveiling the Hiden Art of Negotiation

Negotiation is a skill that permeates almost every area of our lives. I remember even as a child trying to negotiate a later bedtime with my parents. Unfortunately, I always lost that battle and was tucked in by 8pm sharp without fail. Luckily, I didn’t give up, and like a muscle, I’ve found negotiating is a skill that gets strengthened through practice. While many people associate negotiation with business deals or salary discussions, the art of negotiation goes far beyond these traditional examples. From everyday interactions to major life decisions, understanding what is negotiable can be empowering and lead to more money in the bank. Here are 10 things that most people don’t even realize are negotiable…

1. Rent and Housing Costs

The first thing most people assume is non-negotiable is their rent or housing costs. However, renters often overlook the potential for negotiation. While some landlords might be rigid, others may be open to discussion. You could negotiate for a lower rent, a longer lease term, or even minor upgrades to the property. If you’re a responsible tenant with a good track record, landlords may be willing to consider negotiating.

After all, they would much rather have a quiet tenant who always pays on time, than a loud party animal that needs to be hounded each month.

2. Medical Bills

Medical expenses can be a considerable financial burden, and the idea of negotiating them might seem strange. But did you know many medical facilities are willing to cut down your bill for the right reasons? In some cases, they will drop your total bill amount if you offer to pay on the spot. After all a dollar today is always worth more than a dollar tomorrow. If you’re facing substantial medical bills, don’t hesitate to inquire about possible negotiation options.

3. Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates

Credit card companies often have room for negotiation when it comes to fees and interest rates. If you have a good credit history or are a long-standing customer, they may be open to reducing annual fees or lowering interest rates. A simple phone call to customer service can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

4. Job Perks and Benefits

When offered a job, many people simply accept the offered salary and benefits without question. However, various job perks, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, or extra vacation days, are often negotiable. Employers may be willing to accommodate reasonable requests, especially if you possess unique skills or experiences. If they aren’t willing to budge on salary, sometimes they are willing to make up for it with benefits or even stock options.

5. Subscription Services

With the rise of subscription-based services, many of us accumulate a ton of subscriptions, leading to significant monthly expenses. While $10 for a streaming service doesn’t seem like a lot, it’s surprising how quickly 5 or 6 of them add up! What most people don’t realize is that some of these companies are open to negotiation. You could try contacting them and asking for discounts, promotional rates, or bundling options, particularly if you’re a loyal customer. Often times we just assume it costs what it costs. But for larger subscription charges, for example, internet or cable, it’s definitely worth negotiating.

6. Gym Memberships

Gym memberships are often subject to negotiation, especially at certain times of the year when gyms are trying to attract new members. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower monthly rate or request to have the joining fee waived. Be prepared to walk away if they don’t budge; often, they will call you back with a more attractive offer.

7. Vacation Packages

When booking vacations or travel packages, people often accept the advertised prices without question. However, travel agencies and tour operators are often open to negotiation, especially for group bookings or off-peak travel dates. Always inquire about available discounts or upgrades; you might be pleasantly surprised.

8. Wedding Expenses

Weddings can be costly affairs, and many couples end up spending more than they initially intended. However, almost every aspect of a wedding is negotiable, from venue costs to vendor fees. Remember that vendors are eager for your business, and being open to negotiation can lead to substantial savings without sacrificing the quality of your special day.

9. Car Prices and Financing

When purchasing a new or used car, the price and financing terms are not set in stone. Car dealerships are often willing to negotiate, especially when trying to meet their monthly sales targets. Research the fair market value of the car you’re interested in and be prepared to haggle for a better deal. The key is to not walk into any dealership determined to purchase a car immediately. Once they realize you are willing to shop around and maybe not even return, negotiations will suddenly become much easier.

10. Tuition Fees and Student Loans

Education costs, especially in higher education, can be overwhelming. However, many colleges and universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities, which are negotiable based on individual circumstances. Additionally, when it comes to student loans, you may have room to negotiate interest rates or repayment plans with lenders. A final tip, when I was in high school I asked my school counselor for a list of available scholarships. I was shocked by the number and variety that were available. Many of the other students didn’t even bother checking, let alone applying. If you have kids, make sure they ask their counselor for this resource. A few extra hours filling out forms could lead to thousands in savings.

Once you start looking for places to negotiate, you’ll be amazed by how many opportunities present themselves! It never hurts to ask, after all the worst they can say is “no”. A simple question can make a huge difference in the long run, and while uncomfortable at first, over time, you’ll even start to look forward to the game of negotiating. But remember, you should always approach negotiations with respect, empathy, and a willingness to find mutually beneficial solutions. Happy negotiating! :)

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