As an introvert, you might find yourself shying away from conversations that could be considered awkward or uncomfortable. The thought of negotiating the price of your rent or the salary that comes with a job offer might be overwhelming for an introvert.
In fact, many people do not even know that negotiation is an option in a society where so many prices are non-negotiable. As major corporations tend to dominate the market, prices on everyday items have become more-or-less fixed.
Yet, even introverts have financial goals, and negotiating financial agreements can be a great tool to help you reach those goals. Imagine the dollar amount you could have saved by the end of the year if you would have stood up for yourself and negotiated financial decisions.
The following are the five most common expenses that can be easily negotiated to a lower price. In the long run, negotiating common services can save you a ton of money each year.
Cable Bill
The customer has a significant advantage when it comes to negotiating the cable bill in an era of streaming services. With so many customers cutting ties with their cable company, many are willing to negotiate in favor of retaining their customers.
Negotiating your cable bill may be one of the easiest tasks on this list. Like with any agreement, it’s best to find out if you are currently locked into a contract.
If you are, then you might have no choice but to wait until it expires to re-negotiate, or risk paying a fee. Always be aware of the possibility of a (hidden/fixed) fee for terminating a contract before it is completed. Simply the idea of leaving the service will leave the consumer at an advantage.
Credit Card Interest
If you are carrying a balance on your credit card bill each month, then you probably understand that you are also paying interest on that balance. Negotiating the interest charged by your credit card company could easily save you a significant amount each year. To increase your chances of success in this negotiation, you will want to make sure that you have been a customer in good standing.
Alternatively, one can always look for a balance transfer credit card. With this type of card, a consumer transfers all debts to a new account at a lower interest rate.
Price of a New/Used Vehicle
The price of a vehicle, whether purchasing it from a private individual or a dealership, is almost always negotiable.
From the start, most car dealerships and private sellers alike will price their vehicles with the concept of negotiation in mind. This strategy will leave room for negotiation so that both parties can reach an agreement.
Rent Payment
Negotiating your rent payment may not be an option for everyone. For example, if you live in an area where a rental is hard to find, then you will not have as much leverage when trying to negotiate a rental price.
On the other hand, if you have a good relationship with your landlord, or if you live in an area where there are plenty of rental options, you might consider a negotiation regarding your rent price.
Did construction just start at your residence or on a project across the street? This minor inconvenience might place a bargaining chip in your pocket!
Medical Bills
Medical institutions often have a difficult time collecting bills from patients. It’s important to remember that help with your medical bills is available for those in need.
In some cases, the bills go to collection and little to no money is ever recovered from the patient at all. For this reason, negotiating a lower price achievable when negotiating a hospital bill.
Some hospitals even have a fund for instances like this or write it off for taxes. Many hospitals will also offer budget-friendly payment options to increase the chances of recuperating outstanding debts.
Final Thoughts
No matter your financial goals, even the most introverted individual can benefit from negotiating expenses, be it one-time or monthly.
This concept might place you out of your comfort zone but just remember to be upfront and honest while maintaining your expectations. Be confident when negotiating and do not fall victim to complacency; soon you will reap financial rewards.
