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12 things you didn't know you can negotiate

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Negotiating isn’t only for high-stakes TV boardroom battles. It’s a great tool for getting better deals in everyday life. In fact, there are a lot of things you can negotiate that you probably never considered.

12 everyday expenses to negotiate

A quick conversation could save you money, from rent to credit card fees. Here’s a list of 12 everyday expenses you can try to negotiate.

Lease agreements. Landlords sometimes offer concessions to attract renters, like free parking or security deposit waivers. In fact, on Zillow, 30% of rentals provide at least one concession. So you can negotiate the amount of your rent, payment due date, maintenance responsibilities, lease length, utility costs, and even pet policies.
Medical bills. Before a procedure, you can negotiate the cost based on the estimate. And thanks to the No Surprises Act, you can dispute and often reduce some unexpected medical bills.
Bank fees. Many bank fees (monthly maintenance charges, overdraft fees, international transaction fees, and wire fees) are negotiable with a simple phone call. And don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if the first rep says no!
Gym memberships. Gym fees aren’t always set in stone. Ask for a lower monthly payment or discounts if you pay 6 months or a year upfront.
Major purchases. Furniture, jewelry, art, appliances, and even homes are negotiable. Ask about discounts if you pay with cash, and try negotiating delivery or installation fees.
Mobile phone plan. Carriers often run unadvertised promotions that include special discounts for family plans, long-time customers, military, or specific employers. You can also ask about bundling services for a lower rate or price-matching competitors.
Credit card fees and interest rates. These aren’t always set in stone. You can request a waiver on your annual credit card fees (especially if you’re a loyal customer) and a lower interest rate.
Utilities. Many of your regular monthly bills, like electricity, gas, water, and Internet, may be negotiable with discount programs or late fee waivers (call the number on your bill to start the conversation). And make sure you check your bills for accuracy; you can request an audit if you see an unusual spike on a bill.
Home improvements. Before signing the contract to have that renovation done, think about negotiating. Labor for tasks like painting or flooring is often more flexible than structural work. You can also negotiate material costs by asking for supplier discounts or sourcing them yourself. Or ask about bundling projects or scheduling during the off-season to lower costs.
Car repairs. While you typically can’t negotiate labor rates, you may be able to negotiate the cost of the parts for a repair. Need multiple repairs? Try negotiating a discount if you combine multiple services into one visit.
Wedding expenses. Just about any typical wedding service is potentially negotiable: flowers, photography, videography, catering, and music. You can even negotiate the cost of the location rental, especially if you bundle additional services like in-house catering.
Job perks. You may have negotiated your salary for a new job, but have you thought about negotiating perks like a signing bonus, paid time off (PTO), professional development, or a work-from-home arrangement? Many companies have flexibility with these benefits, so it’s worth asking!

How to negotiate with confidence

If negotiating makes you nervous, you’re not alone! The good news is: It doesn’t have to feel awkward. With the right approach, you can confidently ask for better deals while keeping the conversation professional, fair, and collaborative.

Do your homework

The key to successful negotiations is being informed. It’s worth taking the time to research the competition’s prices, industry trends, and the provider’s current situation (like whether they’re running a promotion, trying to meet sales targets, or clearing inventory). Knowing your stuff shows the other person that you’re serious, which can boost your chances of success.

Set a specific (and ambitious) goal

As S. Lucia Kanter St. Amour, author of “For the Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation,” puts it, “'I’ll do the best I can' is not a goal for a negotiation. Make your goals high, specific, and justifiable. If you want a kitten, ask for a pony (with straight-faced justification).” Approaching negotiations with clear and ambitious but justifiable goals increases your chances of getting what you really want.

Be polite

Ever heard the saying “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar”? When you start the conversation, use a collaborative tone. Thank the other person for their time, and make sure you ask for what you want instead of demanding it.

Consider what’s in it for them

A good negotiation leaves both parties feeling like they got something from the agreement. To do this, you need to understand what the other person wants. What do they consider valuable? What would make them walk away feeling like a winner?

Show confidence

Confidence is critical in many aspects of life, especially negotiations. By showing confidence, you make yourself more credible and persuasive, and it can boost your chances of negotiation success.

Do it in person

Most of us would rather send a text or email, but negotiating is one area where it pays to be face-to-face. You can build rapport, establish trust faster, and read body language to gauge how it’s going and what to do next. As Ms. Kanter St. Amour says, “Rapport. Rapport. Rapport. It never goes out of style. You’ve heard the Golden Rule of treating people like you want to be treated? Wrong. Treat people how THEY want to be treated.”

Be prepared to compromise

Before any negotiation, consider where you may be willing to show a little wiggle room. For example, if it looks like you won’t be able to get a lower price, get creative. Ask about free shipping, extended warranties, or bundled services.

Use silence as a negotiation tool

One of the most powerful negotiation tactics isn’t what you say—it’s what you don’t say. According to Certified Financial Planner Steven Kibbel, many people are willing to help if you give them a reason to. But once you make your case, the best thing you can do is stop talking. He explains, "Let the other person process your request. It’s uncomfortable at first, but you’d be surprised how often they come back with a better offer just to fill the silence."

Set a walkaway point

A good negotiator knows when to walk away – and is willing to do it. Before you even start the conversation, know what you want (best-case scenario), what you’re willing to accept (compromise), and what’s an absolute no-go for you (walkaway point). This helps you stick to the plan and get what you need.

So, now that you know some of the secrets to negotiation success, you can approach any transaction with more confidence – and save money in the process. Whether it’s a new car or a quote for gutter cleaning, remember—you can always ask for a price adjustment or other perk that sweetens your deal.

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