Bathroom
1. Size matters! When planning your bathroom, make sure you accurately measure the space available and establish that the products you want to purchase will fit into the area. Many retailers provide a free design service.
When planning your bathroom, make sure you accurately measure the space available and establish that the products you want to purchase will fit into the area. Many retailers provide a free design service.
2. Budget for bargains. Calculate your overall budget and stick to it – it is amazing how you can squeeze prices down if you commit to lowering the price from the outset. Assign a cost to each item and remember that some require extra fittings that are not supplied, for example a shower waste.
3. Be conservative at first. This is not a party political broadcast. Let the outlet know you will most likely be purchasing from several stores, saying you are interested in the best value for your budget, unless one store offers you a deal that you can’t refuse. At this point, hold back some items from your list, as adding in one or two extras at the final negotiation stage will likely gain you more discount. When they quote a price, ask what discount they are prepared to offer in order to gain your custom?
4. Price match is a wonderful tool. When a company has a price-match policy or in some cases price-match plus 5%, make sure you scour the internet for an improved price offered by a competitor by inputting the make and model of your chosen product on a search engine. By doing this I managed to save over £300 on a shower unit.
5. Do they offer discount to trade? Many outlets offer a good discount to plumbers and fitters with trade accounts. If so, ask the fitters to buy the products on your behalf.
6. The final push. Return to your favoured store and the salesperson you initially spoke to (loyalty often reaps rewards!) and tell them of the great offers, price-matches and discounts you have achieved elsewhere, what could they offer you now to secure your custom? Increase the potential discount by adding in those extra one or two items you held back in point 3.
7. The product will only be as good as the person who installs it. Don’t settle on a plumber just because they have quoted the lowest price as you can ill-afford poor workmanship. Choose a tradesman through recommendation from family, friends or work colleagues. Obtain a number of quotes remembering cheapness does not always equate to value.
Marc Lockley is a negotiation coach who writes for Guardian online as The Negotiator. Marc's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional financial advice.