Do you know how to GROUP NEGOTIATE or do you keep any great deal to yourself - hoping your "competition" will not figure out what you found? Do you understand there is power in numbers?
When you go to stores or to wholesalers - do you ask about discounts for yourself? Most places will give Stagers a standard 10-15% discount, and maybe more if we flash our re-sale licenses. But how many of you realize that when you are in front of a store owner, you have the "power" of negotiation on your side? You see - it's not about only you or me.
When it's just ONE - you or me - we get a obligatory discount, but when we band together and share that we represent an industry - a group - the vendors we do business with sit up and take notice! I learned long ago that this industry is about helping others - we help sellers, we help Realtors, and we can help each other. As an ASP I am fortunate to be part of a larger network that negotiates partnerships with national vendors that I could not do on my own. In my own local region, I can be the "negotiator" on a local level that helps to benefit fellow Stagers by asking for what I want in exchange for promotion of that vendor.
The key to getting group discounts is to ASK. Tell these store owners and vendors what you want - in return for helping to give them exposure and send business their way. It's all about mutual benefit - and we are in touch with numerous potential clients that may never hear of these vendors - and we are like a walking sales army for them - sending them business and income. In return, show us the discounts!
For example, in our region, our local wholesale rug dealer at our flea market sells good quality rugs of all sizes and prices. We were able to negotiate deep discounts based on volume, and continue to send them clients - both homewoners and other Stagers - who buy from them instead of their competitor located a few stalls down. A rug that retails for $75 costs us only $19. A rug that retails for $150 costs us only $25, etc. The key in negotiating was letting them know who we were and who we represent. It was not just about my personal purchases - but who I could lead them to with my business network. We have done this with wholesale art, greenery, furniture, and more. It's about asking, "What is the best discount you can offer me knowing I am going to be sending others like me your way?"
So when you go out in to the shopping world - remember, you are not a power of one - unless you want to be. Negotiate for more - there are great rewards to be had - and happy shopping!
- Jennie
