Hello, English learners! Black Friday is almost here, and it’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year. For many people, it’s the perfect time to grab discounts and get items on their wish list. But did you know that Black Friday can also be a great opportunity to practice some English bargaining and negotiation skills?
While stores may already offer impressive discounts, there’s often still room to negotiate, especially in smaller shops, marketplaces, and online platforms. Whether you’re buying electronics, clothing, or a new coffee maker, knowing some real-life phrases for bargaining and negotiating can help you get the best deals. Let’s dive into some useful phrases and strategies for Black Friday shopping!
Starting the conversation with a question about discounts is a friendly and non-confrontational way to open negotiations. It’s a question that most store employees expect, and it can reveal any additional discounts or deals they may not have advertised.
Example:
You: “Hi! Do you have any special discounts or promotions today?”
Salesperson: “Yes, actually! We have an extra 10% off for members. Would you like to sign up?”
Why It Works: This question sets the stage without asking directly for a lower price. If there’s an existing discount, you’ll find out about it right away!
When you show genuine interest in a product, it signals to the salesperson that you’re a serious buyer. Following up with a “but” creates an opening for a discount. For example, you might point out the price or compare it to a similar item you saw elsewhere.
Example:
You: “I really like this jacket, but I saw something similar online for a bit less. Is there any way to match that price?”
Salesperson: “Let me see what I can do—maybe I can give you a small discount.”
Why It Works: By showing interest, you indicate you’re ready to buy if the price is right, encouraging the salesperson to try and meet your request.
This is a direct yet polite way to ask for a better price. It shows you’re interested but not fully convinced, which might prompt the salesperson to offer a slight discount or an added bonus.
Example:
You: “I’m really interested in this laptop. Is this the best price you can offer?”
Salesperson: “We don’t usually discount on these, but since it’s Black Friday, I can take off an extra 5%.”
Why It Works: This question makes the salesperson consider whether they can improve the price, especially if they sense that you might walk away.
If you’ve seen the same product elsewhere at a lower price, mention it. Many stores offer price-matching policies, especially during big sales like Black Friday, to stay competitive.
Example:
You: “I love this tablet, but I saw it on sale at another store for $20 less. Could you match that price?”
Salesperson: “Yes, we do price matching. Let me adjust that for you.”
Why It Works: Price matching is common, so if you’ve done your research, this phrase can easily secure you a better price without much negotiation.
If you’re planning to buy multiple items, asking for a bundled discount is a smart way to negotiate. Many stores are willing to give discounts if you’re buying more than one product.
Example:
You: “If I buy this camera and lens together, could I get a discount on the total?”
Salesperson: “Yes, we offer a 10% discount when you purchase a bundle!”
Why It Works: Bundling is common on Black Friday, and salespeople often see it as a way to increase sales. You get a discount, and they make a larger sale!
Sometimes, it’s easier for stores to offer a small item for free rather than reducing the price. For instance, if you’re buying a large item, you could ask if they’d include a small accessory or extra service.
Example:
You: “If I buy this coffee machine, could you include a pack of coffee pods for free?”
Salesperson: “Sure, I can add that to sweeten the deal!”
Why It Works: Asking for something extra can be a win-win. The store moves a product they may have extra stock of, and you get more value for your money.
If you’re willing to wait, hinting that you’re not in a hurry can sometimes encourage a salesperson to offer a discount to close the sale immediately.
Example:
You: “I’m not in a rush, so I think I’ll wait and consider it.”
Salesperson: “Wait! Let me see if I can give you an extra 5% off to help you decide today.”
Why It Works: Stores want to close sales quickly, especially on Black Friday when there are many other potential customers. Showing hesitation can prompt the salesperson to sweeten the deal so you don’t walk away.
If you have a set budget, let the salesperson know. Sometimes they’ll work with you to find a way to meet your budget or suggest a similar product within your range.
Example:
You: “I’d love to get this tablet, but my budget is only $150. Is there anything you could do on the price?”
Salesperson: “Well, I can give you a 10% discount, which would bring it closer to your budget.”
Why It Works: When a salesperson knows you’re serious about buying, they may try to help you fit the item into your budget, especially if the store has some flexibility on pricing.
After negotiating, confirm the final price before checking out. This phrase is useful to make sure all discounts are applied correctly and to avoid surprises at the register.
Example:
You: “So the final price with all discounts is $100, right?”
Salesperson: “Yes, that includes the Black Friday discount and your membership discount.”
Why It Works: Confirming the price reinforces what you’ve negotiated and ensures no extra fees are added unexpectedly.
Once you’ve completed the negotiation, it’s always polite to thank the salesperson. This phrase leaves a positive impression and makes you a memorable customer.
Example:
You: “Thank you so much! I’m excited to take this laptop home.”
Salesperson: “You’re welcome! Enjoy your new laptop, and happy Black Friday shopping!”
Why It Works: A positive ending keeps the shopping experience friendly and professional. Building rapport can be helpful if you plan to return to the store in the future.
Black Friday is an excellent chance to practice your English bargaining and negotiation skills. Knowing phrases like “Do you have any special discounts today?” and “Is this the best price you can offer?” can make a difference in getting a better deal. Remember, negotiation is a skill, and with practice, you’ll become more confident in handling these conversations.
Thank you for joining me on English with Janet! I hope these phrases help you feel more prepared for your Black Friday shopping. Happy bargaining, and good luck finding those fantastic deals!
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