(Camera: Ricoh GX200)
What's the point of riding a bike with such small wheels? It doesn't seem to save much effort than simply walking. But for however little energy the bike may save the rider, it does its job to save you energy.
Some people don't seem to comprehend this point when they say they hate doing bargaining. You cannot save enough money for just your effort, they may scorn. Well, what a groundless assumption! Bargaining doesn't take effort; it takes strategies! And for however little money it may save you, it saves your money.
There is a proven way to bargain for a cheaper camera in the shops. It works like this:
Timing. Most salesmen hope to end a month with good sales records for a higher commission. Therefore, they are more eager to strike deals towards the end of a month. And the best time in a day to do the bargaining is when the shop is about to close. The salesmen are then more likely to yield to your bargain. That is probably because they are about to call it a day and don't mind to end the day with a few bucks than less. So, visit a shop at the end of a month at, say, 20 minutes before it closes.
Target Shop. Choose a small store. You'll have a higher chance of success than doing it to the big chain store people. But make sure that you pick one which you could trust.
Language. Speak as if you know very little about the camera. Most people are off-guard when they think themselves superior and being in control. Chances are that the salesman may therefore take advantage and go for a higher price, but I assume that you're experienced enough to tell what the good price actually is.
Determination. Don't start the bargain until it is at the end of your enquiry about the camera. When you start the bargain, make it short and commanding. And a good lure is payment by cash. So, an example may be like, "Make it $1,000, and I'll pay by cash now." Don't put your bargain in a question like, "Can you make it $100 cheaper?" or "Is there a chance to make it cheaper?" And don't say the amount you wish to CUT. Tell the salesman the amount you wish to PAY.
Bring your wife/ partner/ girlfriend, and a nagging one. If yours already thinks (or in plural "think"?) that you've bought too many cameras, bring her with you. She doesn't have to be verbally nagging. She can actually roam around the shop and comes over to you occasionally and genuinely disagrees with your choice, with a frown. She can even sound in a hurry to go. Don't overdo it. Her role is to put pressure on the salesman.
There will be no wonder that if you know the share of your payment which goes to the commissions, you will bargain even more fiercely.
Good luck for the bargaining.
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