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From Health magazine
“Everything’s negotiable in America,” even the cost of a haircut, says Michael Soon Lee, author of Black Belt Negotiating. Here’s how to haggle (nicely, of course).
Do your homework. If your ultimate goal is to get a discount at the salon you regularly go to, find out who has the power to offer you a deal. Another prenegotiation must: “See how much the service you want costs at other salons, “ Lee says. After all, you need to know what you’d have to pay if you went elsewhere.
Point out the positives. “The key to getting what you want is framing your negotiation so the other person sees what’s in it for them,” Lee says. In this case, by giving you a discount the salon retains you as a customer, so stress that. You could say: “I love Roz’s haircuts, and I spend about $500 a year at this salon. But I’m on a tight budget now, and I might have to find a less-expensive salon.”
Never make the first offer. After explaining your situation, begin the negotiation by asking an open-ended question, like “Is there anything you can do?” Then—this is the hard part—just be quiet and wait for an answer. “People tend to babble about the kind of discount they want. Don’t do that,” Lee advises. “The other party may offer something even better than what you had in mind!”
Push your luck. If their offer isn’t great, ask again—without naming a specific number. “Just say, ‘I was hoping for something better,’” Lee advises. Even if the salon says it doesn’t discount further, you might end up with free products or a recommendation for a great stylist who charges less than yours.
Be super polite. Regardless of the outcome, “Never threaten or bully,” Lee says. Not only will it end the negotiation, he notes, but also the salon owner might decide it’s not worth it to keep you as a customer.
