Bargaining Tips: How to Score Better Deals in Switzerland

Switzerland does not have a bargaining shopping culture. The habit of negotiating the prices of goods and services is not widespread, as confirmed by a moneyland.ch survey in the past.

But in spite of that, knowing how to bargain can still save you a lot of money in Switzerland. That is primarily true when you purchase specialized goods, but the prices of mobile plans, mortgages, real estate, and many other goods and services are often negotiable as well.

Following these simple tips can help you obtain discounts from Swiss merchants and service providers.

1. Come prepared

Do your research ahead of time. Smartphones let you find the cheapest deals advertised online even as you go about your shopping. Being able to show a merchant that other stores in Switzerland are selling the same product for lower prices provides a good starting point for bargaining.

2. Carry just as much money as you are willing to spend

Carrying just as much money with you as you are willing to pay for the things you want is a highly effective bargaining chip. Being honest and clear about the amount of cash that you have on hand is an effective way to evoke discounts at many stores.

3. Be friendly

Swiss merchants are not necessarily desperate to make a sale. Being obnoxious will more likely get you a curt farewell than a good deal. Be friendly and polite, and understand that the merchant is providing a service and deserves to be paid for their service.

4. Be confident

Never forget that you are the customer, and that the customer is king. You have every right to negotiate for better deals. Ask for discounts as though it were the most natural thing to do and act politely surprised if the salesperson is responds in rude way.

5. Understand bargaining etiquette

Avoid visiting stores during peak hours – a salesperson dealing with a crowd of customers will not have time to discuss a deal. Likewise, no salesperson will radically slash their prices for you in front of other customers. Sticking to off-peak hours is key to successfully scoring bargains.

6. Don’t show too much interest

The last thing you want is to give salespeople the impression that you just have to have whatever it is they are selling at any cost. Act as though you aren't looking for anything in particular. If a merchant senses potential for an unplanned, impulse purchase, they may well take the first step in offering you a discount.

7. Ask about student discounts

Many Swiss merchants will discount prices when you show a student ID, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask. Some merchants, like book retailer Orell Füssli, offer student cards or memberships of their own which entitle you to discounts every time you shop. Initiatives like LEGI and STUcard make scoring student discounts automatic, albeit at a limited number of merchants.

8. Speak to senior personnel

The teenage interns and junior salespeople most likely will not have the authority to cut you a deal. Even if they do, they will often be unsure of their own profit margins. In small stores, try to deal with the owner directly. In larger stores, pick out a senior-looking salesperson or ask to speak to the manager. People in those positions will understand possible discounts and are also more likely to base their decisions on your overall potential value as a customer.

9. Don’t be afraid to walk away

Unless you are a dyed-in-the-wool tightwad, turning and leaving without the wanted item can be difficult. It is generally easier to save face by paying an inflated price than it is to turn and walk. However, being willing to walk away if you don’t get the price you want is the most effective bargaining strategy.

10. Ask for cash deals

Some merchants will offer discounts to customers who pay in cash instead of by credit card. Merchants have to pay fees to payment service providers for card transactions, and may be happy to pass on their savings to you as the cash customer. Before paying at the checkout, always ask if the store offers a cash discount.

11. Take advantage of credit card price protection perks

If a store is not willing to discount prices but shopping at that store is more convenient or lets you earn loyalty points, consider paying using a credit card which offers a best price guarantee (price protection). This benefit reimburses the difference if you find something you buy being offered at a lower price within a certain time-frame. The moneyland.ch credit card comparison makes it easy to find cards with this benefit using the best price guarantee sort option..

More on this topic:
Discount calculator
Telecom plans: How to negotiate better deals
Tips for using mortgages in Switzerland