Just Ask: A Simple Way to Save Money
Have you ever assumed prices were set in stone—only to find out they weren’t?
Did you know that drink prices at a cash bar at a wedding are negotiable? Neither did I!
Recently, my husband and I were at a friend’s wedding. He went up to the bar to get a drink and was quoted $12. A little while later, our friend ordered the same drink for only $10!
After the initial surprise, my husband gave him a little nudge:
"Do you think they’d offer it to you for any cheaper?"
Later that evening, our friend came back and let us know he was able to get the drink for $8. I was shocked!
To get a better price, sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Negotiation Isn’t Just for Houses & Cars
Many people think negotiating only applies to major things, like buying a house or a car. And yes, it absolutely applies there. But you’d be surprised at how often there’s room for flexibility on other purchases too.
I’ve personally saved money on many things—like furniture, jewelry, satellite radio, and internet—simply by being willing to ask.
Not every place will say yes, of course. But if you don’t ask, you’re automatically paying full price.
You just need to give yourself permission to ask—and consider this your permission slip!
Negotiation Strategies That Aren’t Awkward
You don’t need fancy negotiation skills. Here are a few low-pressure ways to start the conversation (without feeling pushy):
Ask if there are any current promotions or upcoming sales
Do a little research first, and ask if they price match with competitors (or even their own website, if you’re making a purchase in-store)
Ask if there’s a discount for paying in cash or via check
Look for coupon codes when buying things online (for example, Capital One Shopping or browser extensions)
A Real-Life Example
Here’s a real-life example from when I was car shopping a few years back (pre-COVID, when things worked a little differently).
I took some time to call around to dealerships within a two-hour drive from my home and simply asked each one for their price. I kept track of responses on a spreadsheet; it felt like a treasure hunt!
Eventually, I called the dealership closest to me, and after asking for their price, I let them know another dealership had quoted me a lower amount. I asked if they’d be willing to match it.
They said yes! And I didn’t have to drive two hours to get the best price. A huge win in my book!
Let’s Normalize Talking About Money With Each Other
I would have never guessed that a drink at a cash bar was negotiable. The only reason I learned is because my friends and I were comfortable talking about money.
I love sharing little “money hacks,” and the more we talk with each other, the harder it is for companies to get away with charging different people different prices.
Yes, sometimes there are reasons behind it—like volume discounts—but other times, people pay more simply because they don’t realize there’s room to negotiate or they feel it’s impolite to ask.
When we talk openly about money with the people we trust, we get a little more confident. We start to see we’re not alone. A lot of us are experiencing the same frustrations and surprises.
And the more we share, the more we can help each other spot opportunities to save.
The Bottom Line:
You don’t need special negotiating skills or complicated tactics.
You don’t need to be aggressive.
You just have to be willing to ask.
As a financial coach, I love helping clients find opportunities to save. And that’s just one of the things we’ll cover together! Your coaching journey begins with a free Q&A call so we can determine if you’re a good fit for my program. Schedule your Q&A call today!
