With competition getting tougher between contractors and building supply companies, the atmosphere is a homeowner's dream. Especially for homeowners who know how to take advantage of this situation. How? By comparison shopping, negotiating and using 3 secret power questions I'll reveal to you in this powerful article.
These 3 secret power questions will allow you to get rock-bottom prices for your home repairs and improvements.
There is an ancient saying that says, "It's not just what you say, but how you say it." This message will show you how to use 3 secret power questions to save money on your home repairs and improvements.
High-powered negotiators who haggle over million dollar contracts over coffee and donuts know the power of using or not using certain words. The secret is not just knowing what words to use, but when to use them. Timing is everything if you want to get the lowest price for home repairs and improvements as well.
Use certain words too soon and you can telegraph your hand alerting the other party to put up their price defenses. Use certain words too late and you can miss your golden opportunity to get a lower price.
Yes, when it comes to using these 3 secret power questions timing is everything - if you want to save money on home repairs and improvements.
To lay a solid foundation for you and set the stage to get the best use from these 3 power questions make sure you do the following:
1. Be Willing To Comparison Shop. Get or be willing to get at least 3 quotes or estimates on a home improvement or repair job. Especially if you're not familiar with the prices of the job or materials you want to purchase. This will help you to recognize a good price from a great price when you see it.
2. When you ask these 3 power questions, look the other person in the eye. Looking the other person in the eye when you say these power words adds sincerity and force to your words. Notice if they look you in the eye when they respond.
3. After you ask these power questions, keep quiet and listen for the other persons answer.
Even if it takes the other person 5 minutes to answer. Shut-up and wait patiently for the answer. They're thinking, don't interrupt them or you could destroy the power of the question. Your ability to keep quiet could save you dollars. Imagine saving $5 for every second you can keep quiet until he answers.
Now you're ready to get the lowest prices for home repairs and improvements using the following powerful questions. You should ask these questions in the following order.
1. What's Your Best Price?
This simple 4 word question often throws most contractors and repairmen off there sales plan and immediately puts you in control - if asked at the right time.
The best time to ask this question is after the contractor or repairman has evaluated your situation. Wait until after they've given you there remedy or solution and invested time with you.
The more time the other person spends with you the more willing they are to soften the price or make other concessions. (Provided you don't come off as a jerk).
2. Is That Your Best Price?
After they answer your first power question ("What's Your Best Price?"). Pause (3-5 seconds) and respond, "Is That Your Best Price? (With a slight hint of surprise in your voice.)
This simple question has encouraged many contractors to search for room to lower their price seconds after being asked. You can often see the wheels turning in their heads after you ask it.
Remember, if they give you a great price before you ask this question, this question will not have the maximum affect. And sometimes may not be necessary. That's why it's essential you know what a good price is and what a great prices is.
If it's a great price you might want to take it.
3. Use the "If" word.
This powerful two-letter word has lowered the price for more products and services than any other word of record. If the first two power questions can't get the price down low enough for you this two-letter word will often do it. Examples for using the "If" word:
A) "If "I buy 3 instead of one what kind of break will you give me?
B "If" I make a larger down payment what kind of break will you give me?
C) "If" I pay cash what kind of break will you give me? Etc.
There are many ways to use the "if" word when negotiating a lower price if you use your imagination.
If after using all three power questions you can't get some kind of price break, consider getting another estimate. Then choose the best estimate - meaning price, quality of service and value.
Be cautious of simply shopping for the cheapest price without considering quality of service and value. A funny thing happens when you shop for the cheapest price alone - you usually get what you pay for.
By using the 3 power questions you'll find yourself feeling the confidence of getting the best value for your money on purpose and not just by accident. You'll soon discover the more you practice these ideas the better you'll get at it and the more money you'll save.
