Take Advantage of the Recession to Hone Your Haggling Skills
05.02.10
Not only do they delve into the history and psychology of the shift in American spending and haggling patterns, but they also send one of their reporters out in the world to haggle and see how he fares. Their reporter used a variety of techniques ranging from simply asking for a discount, noting that a product was not as fresh as it was and should have a discount, using his phone to show the price offered by a competitor to get a discount, and other methods. The techniques that he used aren't as important as the fact that he shifted his mindset from never asking for a discount to always asking for a discount. The end result of his week-long experiment in haggling was that he saved a total of $730 on goods and services just by asking.
If you're unsure where to start when it comes to haggling, we'd suggest reading over our guide: Reduce Your Bills by Just Asking . The tips in the guide apply to everything, not just to lowering your bills. Using them will make your first negotiation experience feel less confrontational and more like you're engaging in a mutually beneficial exchange with the company you're dealing with. After all, a product sold for 20% off to a willing customer is often a bigger win for all parties involved than a product not sold to anyone at full price.
Source: Lifehacker
Harawira lays out his bottom lines for Foreshore
06.02.10
Maori Party MP Hone Harawira laid out his bottom lines on the foreshore and seabed at Waitangi today, challenging the Government to hand full title to Maori while ensuring full access to all New Zealanders.
Prime Minister John Key yesterday said he thought an "elegant" solution could be found, but he warned Maori not to expect too much.
But Mr Harawira told a hikoi at the whare runanga (meeting house) at the Treaty Grounds that people should have the highest aspirations and demands.
"When the politicians say we should be realistic, that's their way of saying 'no'," Mr Harawira said.
Mr Harawira said he had three key principles he wanted in any repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004, which angered many Maori and led to the formation of the Maori Party.
"One, Maori title of the foreshore and seabed," he said.
"Two, in case anyone is scared we will sell it, make it (title) inalieanable.
"Three, full access to all New Zealanders forever."
Source: Stuff.co.nz