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17 September 2009

Attention MeCha negotiators: What are your tips on how to get a deal?[More:]

I'm currently making inquiries about vacation rentals over the Thanksgiving holiday. The area where I'm currently looking is up near the Redwood National Park and isn't a huge tourist area -- especially in November. I'm going through owners rather than agents.

I'd like to try to talk some of them down a bit on their rates. My thinking is they'd rather have someone there paying SOME money than to have the place vacant. (And almost all of them I've checked are vacant for the entire month. Like I said, not a huge destination in November/December.)

So, any advice on how to bargain? Tips? Ways to phrase the question? Things to avoid saying?

Do go ahead and make this a general "How to get the best bargain thread."
"I notice you have a lot of vacancies. Is there any chance to get a room (cabin, suite, etc.) at a reduced rate?" Or "I notice you have a lot of vacancies. Can I get a room at X% of your regular rate?" and leave room to negotiate. If s/he says no, then say "Ok, thanks anyway, I'll call the next one on my list" and move on to the next one.

When antiquing you can usually get 10 to 20% off of the ticketed price if you ask nicely.
posted by deborah 17 September | 13:05
Be willing to walk away. If possible, make the other person say a price first.
posted by box 17 September | 13:25
Questions like 'What's the lowest price you could accept for this whatsit?' will make you feel like a used-car salesperson, and rightfully so. To be a successful negotiator, though, you need to be able to put those feelings aside.

If you're willing and able to pay cash, be sure to mention that.
posted by box 17 September | 15:00
My thinking is they'd rather have someone there paying SOME money than to have the place vacant.

I've learned the hard way that with vacation houses, this thinking is often wrong. There tends to be a collusion amongst owners not to have the perceived value of their property drop, and not to take risks by ending up with a different demographic in residence than the one they'd envisioned. Sometimes they actually would rather not rent it at all than change the price structure - especially because they are likely already enjoying a good return on this investment, and the off-season takings are gravy.

However, I have had luck tacking on extra days for no additional charge, or asking for a round number that's a bit less than the full per night price, prorated, if I stay through an otherwise unsold weekday.

It never hurts to ask.
posted by Miko 17 September | 16:24
Things That Are Good That You've Taught Yourself: A Wisdom Thread.... || Bunny! OMG!

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