These 20 Costs Are Totally Negotiable (But Most People Don’t Try)
Most people don’t negotiate. They see a price, assume it’s final, and pay without thinking twice. That mindset is the reason businesses keep charging more, because they know most won’t push back.
A study found that 80% of companies worldwide don’t negotiate, leading to a 63.3% drop in net income. That means businesses lose money when they skip negotiations, and so do you. If you’re not asking for better deals, you’re overpaying.
Today, we’re talking about twenty things you probably didn’t know you could negotiate. Rent, repairs, services, you name it, there’s usually wiggle room. Getting a better deal isn’t about luck, it’s about knowing how to ask.
Want to stop leaving money on the table? Let’s get started. If we forgot any let us know.
Table of Contents
Rent Costs
Most renters sign their lease without asking a single question about the price, but landlords are often willing to negotiate. The trick? Approach it like a business deal. If you’re renewing, remind them you’re a reliable tenant who pays on time.
If you’re new, ask if they’d consider a lower rate in exchange for a longer lease. Landlords hate vacancies more than they love squeezing an extra $50 out of you. Another move? Research similar rentals in the area and point out if you’re getting an above-market deal.
Some landlords will budge just to keep you happy. Offering to handle minor repairs yourself or pay a few months upfront can also give you leverage. The key is to make it clear that working with you is easier than finding someone new.
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Medical Bills
Most people don’t realize this, but medical bills are negotiable. Hospitals and clinics rarely advertise it, but they offer discounts for paying upfront or proving financial hardship. Even if you have insurance, errors are common, up to 80% of medical bills have overcharges.
Always ask for an itemized bill and go through it line by line. If something looks off, challenge it. Call the billing department and ask if they offer payment plans or cash discounts. Many will slash your bill if you simply ask.
If you’re facing a big charge, offer to settle for a lower amount immediately. The worst they can say is no, but more often than not, they’ll work with you.
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Cable and Internet Services
Your cable and internet bill is not set in stone. If you call and say, “I’m thinking about canceling,” customer retention reps suddenly find discounts that didn’t exist five minutes ago. Before making the call, research competitor prices.
Mention that you’ve seen lower rates elsewhere and ask what they can do. If they resist, remind them you’re happy to switch providers. The best time to negotiate? Right before your contract renews.
Companies know they’ll lose you if they don’t offer something better, so they often throw in perks like faster speeds or free premium channels. Stay calm, be direct, and don’t accept the first offer.
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Furniture Purchases
If you’ve ever walked into a furniture store and paid full price, you’ve probably overpaid. Retailers mark up furniture by 200-400%, which means there’s a lot of room to negotiate. Start by asking for a discount on the floor model, it’s already assembled and usually gets a price cut.
If you’re buying multiple pieces, request a bundle deal. Another trick? Ask about upcoming sales. Sometimes, the salesperson will let you buy at the discounted price before the official sale date.
And if all else fails, see if they’ll throw in free delivery or an extended warranty. Furniture stores want to move inventory, and if you ask the right way, they’ll make it worth your while.
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Hotel Rates
Booking a hotel doesn’t mean you have to accept the first price you see. Hotels want full occupancy, and if they have empty rooms, they’re more open to deals. Call the front desk directly, don’t rely on online rates.
Ask if they have any unadvertised discounts or if they can match a competitor’s lower price. If you’re staying multiple nights, request a long-stay discount. Traveling during the off-season? That’s prime negotiating time.
Hotels would rather offer a lower rate than let a room sit empty. If they won’t budge on price, ask about free perks like breakfast, parking, or late checkout. The key is to ask. Most people don’t.
Jewelry and Watches
Luxury items have some of the biggest markups in retail. Jewelry, in particular, can be marked up 300% or more, which means the price is rarely firm. Independent jewelers have more flexibility than big chains, so that’s where you’ll have the most luck.
If you’re buying an engagement ring, ask for a discount on the setting if you’re also buying the stone. Shopping during the off-season, think after Valentine’s Day, can also lead to better deals. Many jewelers will negotiate if you pay in cash since it saves them credit card processing fees.
And if you’re not getting a price cut, ask about free cleanings or resizing services. Every bit counts.
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Pet Care Services
Grooming, boarding, and veterinary services often have wiggle room on pricing, especially if you’re a loyal customer. Groomers may offer discounts for booking multiple sessions upfront. Boarding facilities might lower rates if you bring your own food or bedding.
Even vets sometimes offer payment plans or discounts for paying in cash. The best strategy? Be polite but firm. Ask about loyalty discounts or seasonal promotions. Some providers offer off-peak pricing for less busy days.
If you’re a regular, mention that you’d love to keep coming back but need a little flexibility on price. Most small businesses value repeat customers and are willing to work with you.
Appliance Repairs
Appliance repair shops rarely advertise it, but prices are negotiable. If you get a quote that makes you wince, don’t just accept it, ask if they can do better. Some repair shops lower costs if you pay in cash or agree to schedule service during a slow period.
Another move? Request a breakdown of parts and labor. Some companies add extra fees that can be removed if questioned. If the repair involves replacing a part, ask if they have refurbished or generic options instead of brand-name components.
Many work just as well at a fraction of the cost. The key is simple, act like a customer who knows a thing or two about getting a better deal.
Home Security Systems
Security companies don’t expect customers to haggle, but they almost always have room to adjust pricing. Equipment costs, installation fees, and monitoring charges all have flexibility. Instead of signing up online, call a representative and ask what discounts are available.
Mention competitor offers and ask if they can match or beat them. Long-term contracts sometimes include price reductions, but that doesn’t mean you have to commit to years of service without benefits.
If they won’t budge on price, ask for free extras, like additional sensors, cameras, or a smart doorbell. Companies know that keeping a customer is cheaper than finding a new one, so use that to your advantage.
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Wedding Services
Weddings drain bank accounts faster than most people expect, but vendors don’t always charge set-in-stone prices. Photographers, caterers, florists, and DJs often have flexibility, especially if your event isn’t during peak season.
If you book multiple services through the same provider, bundle pricing can lead to savings. Shortening event hours or choosing simpler packages also helps. Some vendors prefer partial payments in advance and will offer discounts if asked.
Late bookings sometimes come with lower prices too, if a vendor has an open date they need to fill, they might take what they can get. Those who ask for a better price tend to get it.
Job Offers
A surprising number of people accept job offers without negotiating anything. Big mistake. Two-thirds of U.S. workers who asked for a higher starting salary got more than the initial offer.
Most companies expect candidates to negotiate, and many leave room in the budget for adjustments. Salary isn’t the only thing on the table, extra vacation days, flexible hours, or bonuses can also be negotiated.
If the job involves commissions or performance-based incentives, ask if they can be improved. Companies invest a lot in hiring the right person, so once they choose you, they’re often willing to sweeten the deal. The trick is to ask with confidence.
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Car Repairs
Mechanics are in business to make money, but that doesn’t mean every price they quote is non-negotiable. Labor costs, in particular, have some room to move. Ask if they can lower the hourly rate or offer a discount for paying upfront.
If the repair involves new parts, request aftermarket or refurbished options instead of manufacturer parts. Smaller repair shops sometimes offer better deals than dealerships, so getting a second opinion can save a lot.
Some places reduce prices during slow periods, midweek visits or off-season repairs tend to come with lower rates. Cash payments can also work in your favor, as some shops prefer avoiding credit card fees.
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Landscaping Services
Lawn care, gardening, and tree-trimming services often have flexible pricing, but most people never ask. If hiring a landscaper, mention that you’re willing to commit to regular maintenance instead of one-time work.
Many providers offer lower prices for long-term clients. Asking about seasonal discounts can also work, some landscapers charge less during slower months to keep business steady. Offering referrals in exchange for a price reduction is another angle.
Many small businesses would rather give a discount than spend money on advertising. A quick conversation can turn a high estimate into a much more reasonable one.
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Tech Purchases
Most people don’t even think about negotiating when buying electronics, but there’s often wiggle room. Retailers sometimes offer open-box or refurbished models at a lower cost if asked. Price matching is another strong strategy.
If a competitor has a lower price, many stores will match or beat it. Another trick? Ask if they have upcoming sales and request the discounted price early. Employees sometimes reveal promotions that aren’t publicly advertised yet.
For bigger-ticket items, requesting a free accessory, an extended warranty, or discounted installation can stretch the value of your purchase without spending extra.
Photography Sessions
Photography isn’t cheap, but most photographers have flexible pricing. Independent photographers, in particular, are more likely to negotiate than big studios. Booking during off-peak times, weekday shoots or non-holiday seasons, can lead to lower rates.
If looking for event coverage, bundling multiple sessions, like engagement and wedding photos, usually results in a discount. Opting for digital-only images instead of physical prints can also bring costs down.
Some photographers offer referral discounts, so mentioning that you plan to send business their way might get you a better rate. Pricing isn’t always set in stone, and a little negotiation can go a long way.
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Smartphone Repairs
Getting a phone fixed isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t have to cost as much as the first quote you get. Independent repair shops often have room to adjust pricing, especially if you ask about alternative parts.
Brand-name replacements cost more, but generic components often work just as well. Timing matters, too, repair shops get busier on weekends, so visiting midweek can sometimes mean lower prices.
If multiple repairs are needed, requesting a bundled rate might save a few bucks. Regular customers sometimes get better deals, so building a relationship with a shop can lead to discounts in the future.
Childcare Services
Childcare costs add up fast, but providers sometimes have pricing flexibility. Discounts are often available for paying in advance, committing to long-term care, or enrolling siblings. Independent caregivers and smaller daycare centers are more open to adjusting rates than big chains.
Asking about off-peak hours can also help, care during less busy times sometimes comes at a lower rate. Some providers will negotiate if guaranteed business is on the table, so mentioning long-term interest can lead to savings. The key is to ask before signing anything.
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Home Cleaning Services
House cleaning services usually have standard rates, but those rates aren’t always firm. Booking regular cleanings instead of one-time visits often leads to discounts. Some companies charge extra for cleaning supplies, so offering to provide your own can lower the cost.
Bundling services, like deep cleaning and window washing, can sometimes get a better deal. Scheduling appointments during slower business periods also increases the chances of negotiating a lower price.
Independent cleaners tend to be more flexible than larger franchises, making them a better option for price discussions.
Subscription Boxes
Subscription services love new customers, which means there’s almost always a discount available. If planning to subscribe, reaching out to customer support and asking about deals can often lead to a special rate.
Cancelling a subscription also triggers retention offers, which can include lower pricing. Opting for a longer-term plan instead of monthly billing can bring down the overall cost.
Some companies also have referral programs that reward subscribers with discounts for bringing in new customers. Paying full price is almost never necessary, brands want to keep you on board, so they’re often willing to offer incentives.
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Event Rentals
Renting tables, chairs, tents, or sound systems for an event? The listed price isn’t always the final cost. Independent rental companies, in particular, are open to negotiation. Booking during off-peak seasons or weekdays often results in lower rates.
Offering to pick up and return rented items instead of using delivery services can also bring down costs. If renting multiple items, asking for a bundled price can lead to savings. Rental businesses want to keep inventory moving, so asking for a better deal is always worth a shot.
Lock in Your Savings
Most people never think to negotiate, and that’s exactly why it works. Businesses build wiggle room into their pricing, but they won’t hand you a discount unless you ask. A simple conversation can shave hundreds off your bills, rent, or repairs.
Confidence matters, act like someone who expects a better deal, and you’ll probably get one. The worst they can say is no, but more often than not, they’ll meet you halfway.
Start asking, start saving, and keep more of your money where it belongs, in your pocket.
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