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I’m a nervous wreck when it comes to negotiating. Like many people, I don’t like conflict, but I can’t resist a deal. There are countless things you can negotiate that you probably haven’t tried, including your salary. To overcome my conflict avoidance mindset, I forced myself to negotiate things I never thought possible. I was surprised by the results. I’ve compiled a list of those things based on my own experience and took some inspiration from Indeed, one of the largest online job search engines. Here are 16 surprising things you can and should negotiate.
1. Salary
One of the most common things you can negotiate is your salary. You don’t have to blindly accept a job offer without negotiating the terms. The worst a company can do is say no. For the longest time, I assumed it’d be rude to try, but I’ve learned since then that companies often lowball to save money.
2. Vacation Days
Did you know you can also negotiate things like PTO and vacation days? I can’t guarantee it’ll work, but my best friend got an extra week when talking to her hiring manager. Negotiating for PTO can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t hurt to try during the hiring process. Afterward, it’s a little trickier but not impossible. Check your company’s policy before making a plan.
3. Home Prices
This one might be a no-brainer to homeowners, but I had no idea you could do this. Just because a website lists a home for one price doesn’t mean it’s a set price. You can negotiate for a lower price. This is much easier when you can communicate directly with the home’s seller. I’ve even heard stories of home buyers sending detailed letters to the seller asking for a lower price.
4. Medical Bills
Medical bills are also not set in stone. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with medical debt. You can call the office or hospital directly and ask for a discount. If you can’t get a discount, or it’s still too much, ask for an itemized list. I did this, and my bill dropped drastically! According to an NPR article, lowering medical bills is a long game. So don’t give up after the first call. They just want some money. The same goes for debt collectors.
5. Remote vs. In-Office
I can’t see myself working in an office again, and I’m not alone. According to Forbes, about 98% of workers want the option to work from home at least part-time. If your job isn’t physical, you can negotiate for remote work. I’ve done so with a freelance social media client.
6. Rent
Did you know that you can negotiate rent? I’m not saying you’ll be successful every time, but it’s worth a shot. I’ve successfully negotiated lower rent increases in the past. You might have more luck negotiating with a private landlord versus a large apartment complex. You may even be able to barter if you’re good at fixing things.
7. Used Furniture
I stopped buying new furniture in 2022 after purchasing a new couch for over $500, which fell apart within a few months. I like buying used furniture at yard sales, thrift shops, or online on places like Facebook Marketplace. When you’re buying used furniture, you don’t have to settle for the price. It’s most likely not set. Negotiate with the seller, ask for discounts, and take a closer look to see if the furniture has any faults.
8. Monthly Car Payment
Technically, you can’t just negotiate your monthly car payment. But you have some control over some aspects of the cost. For instance, you don’t have to settle for the first interest rate provided at a dealership. Instead, you can negotiate the interest rate, which can lower your monthly payment. It’s best to shop around when purchasing a car for the best deal.
9. Phone Allowance
Do you work a job requiring you to use your cell phone to complete tasks? Fun fact: You can definitely negotiate a phone allowance for any job. My husband’s best friend did this while working as a maintenance tech in an apartment complex. He brought up valid points to his manager, including the fact that he had to use the phone 24/7 during his on-call shifts. Some companies even provide this without negotiation.
10. Cell Phone Bill
I despise confrontation. I’d do everything online through a chat or request form if it were up to me. However, I recommend calling your phone company if you don’t mind talking to someone. You can negotiate for a better deal. I’ve done this twice after trying to cancel my phone plan. They don’t want to see you go. If you express the monthly payment is too high, they may provide an alternative.
11. Credit Card Fees
Another thing you can negotiate is credit card fees. Did you miss a payment? Or is the annual fee eating you up alive? Call your credit card company’s customer support line. According to CNBC, one of the best ways to negotiate credit card fees is to ask for a retention offer. You can support your case by citing your credit history and loyalty to the card.
12. Debt Collections
It’s not the end of the world when a late payment is sent to collections. While debt collectors can be frustrating and annoying, there are ways to negotiate for a lower debt amount. Debt collectors buy your debt from companies and sometimes even hospitals. They buy for a cheaper amount and hound you to make money. As long as they make something, they are happy. If you negotiate for a lower debt through collections, ask for it in writing.
13. Job Title
Job titles are also negotiable. You don’t have to get stuck with the first job title you receive in a company. I’d negotiate for a job title change if you also train new employees or have other significant job responsibilities. It may not earn you an immediate raise, but it will make a difference on your resume when you apply for your next job. The same can be done if you don’t want to take on significant responsibilities. You can negotiate for a lower or more simple title.
14. Event Spaces
Event spaces are not cheap. I helped my friend look for her wedding venue, and my jaw dropped all day at the prices. She was quoted $8,000 for an afternoon in a church and event space. The prices for event spaces aren’t always set. You can negotiate by bringing your own catering company and set-up crew. This might not always work, but it is worth a shot!
15. Childcare Reimbursement
Do you have kids? Did you know that companies now offer childcare reimbursement? This is especially common in remote rolls. When I worked as a nanny, my boss negotiated for a childcare reimbursement stipend to cover the costs of my services. Sometimes, companies are more willing to increase benefits than increase your salary.
16. Private Lessons
Discussing a rate with one person is much easier than with a large company. If you’re going to take any private lessons, I suggest negotiating the rate. I love the barter system. I will happily exchange services for a better deal. If you do hair, why not offer a free or discounted haircut?
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