How can I get the lowest cost from a salesman on a modular home?
Modular Home Questions August 23rd, 2009I’m not very good at getting a good price on anything. Do you have any bargaining techniques that could help? How do I know if I’m getting a decent deal?
August 23rd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Clearly every salesman has to make a commission in order to pay the bills just as you & I do. In addition the Company he works for too has to pay the bills. So when going for the lowest price you will merely begin with the first one in the yellow pages & ask for their price on the model you like – ahem-need. Then take that in writing to the next manufacturer of modulars, until you arrive at the dealer with the lowest prices. My point is that there is no technique that will reduce pricing below a price which pays the bills.
You will be doing comparison shopping & it is wise to let them know that right up front. "Hi Frank, I’m here to do some comparison shopping. I want to look at not only the model features but your pricing as it compares to these 4 other manufactures models (have them printed out). By the way I won’t be making any decisions until after the first of August. If you have a special running I’ll keep that in mind. Now let’s take a look".
The secret here is to not believe more than a few words & especially not the ones which invoke your desire to buy. Keep a guilt-free, cold stone face, "Just the facts Mam, just the facts". Don’t smile, stay emotionless. When they detect your unwillingness to get really happy about this really special model which we won’t have in anymore, they’ll finally just lay out the bottom-line price & hope to hear back from you.
One more thing, you get his number, they won’t need yours.
Finally make up your mind above all else, that you will not sign any contract until you have checked with every manufacturer in your area, nor before a 90 day period of time. Don’t get in a rush just because some salesman tries to convince you this is the last model on sale.
If you do all I suggest you will not end up owning something that you discover cost you more than exactly what you are looking for, the lowest price on a comparable model. I used to be a salesman.