Should you always ask for a discount wherever you shop?

Question

Rich Dad · Accepted Answer

If you’re not asking for a discount, you’re leaving money on the counter like a tip nobody asked for.
Let me be clear: everything is negotiable — especially when people pretend it’s not. Retail stores, service providers, freelancers, landlords, even your internet bill. The worst they can say is no. I’ve negotiated 10–30% off furniture just by asking, knocked $200 off a laptop because I pointed out a competitor’s price, and shaved $40/month off a cable bill by threatening to cancel. Over 10 years, that’s thousands of dollars saved — which, if invested at 8%, compounds into real money.
But here’s the twist: you don’t ask for discounts to be cheap — you ask to build the negotiation muscle. Think of it like push-ups for your wealth mindset. The person who can confidently ask for 10% off a $200 jacket is the same person who can negotiate a $15,000 salary increase. And that’s where the real money lives. If you can raise your income by $10,000 a year and invest it at 10% for 20 years, that’s over $630,000. That dwarfs coupon-clipping.
Now, let’s be strategic. I don’t waste time haggling over a $3 coffee. Your time is worth more. But on big-ticket items? Always ask. Electronics, cars, rent renewals, medical bills, home repairs — margins are built in. Car dealerships expect negotiation. Contractors inflate quotes by 10–20% knowing some people will push back. Even luxury brands often have wiggle room at quarter-end when they need to hit targets.
Counterpoint? Sure — don’t be obnoxious. Negotiation is not begging and it’s not bullying. It’s professional curiosity. Say: “Is that your best price?” or “Do you have flexibility on this?” Calm. Polite. Strategic. If the answer is no, smile and move on. Power is walking away.
But here’s what I don’t want: people obsessing over 5% discounts while ignoring 50% income increases. I’ve seen people spend an hour arguing over $10 while staying at a job that underpays them by $20,000 a year. That’s penny-wise, poverty-minded.
So yes — ask. Not because you’re broke. But because confident people negotiate. Because money saved is capital deployed elsewhere. Because every dollar you don’t waste can become an asset.
Just remember: build income aggressively, negotiate strategically, and never confuse frugality with small thinking.

Poor Dad · Answer

Just because you can ask for a discount doesn’t mean you always should.
Be careful. Constantly asking for discounts can make you look desperate, damage relationships, or simply waste time. In many retail environments — grocery stores, pharmacies, big chain stores — employees have zero authority to adjust prices. You may embarrass yourself or irritate staff for no gain. And reputation matters. If you frequent a small local business, repeatedly pressing for discounts might strain goodwill.
That said, there are sensible situations where asking is appropriate. Major purchases like cars, appliances, furniture, or home renovations? Yes, negotiation is expected. On a $25,000 car, even a 5% reduction saves $1,250. That’s meaningful. Medical bills, insurance premiums, or cable packages? Also reasonable. Many providers build in flexibility. But everyday items like supermarket food or a $40 pair of jeans? The savings are usually minimal relative to the social cost and time spent.
Time has value. If you earn $30 per hour and spend 20 minutes trying to save $5, that’s not efficient. Additionally, emotional energy matters. Constantly hunting for discounts can create a scarcity mindset. Financial stability comes from disciplined saving, budgeting, and steady income — not from squeezing every cashier for a better deal.
There’s also a character component. If you negotiate too aggressively, people may perceive you as difficult. This can affect professional relationships. Imagine negotiating hard with a contractor and then needing warranty service later — goodwill helps. Politeness and fairness build long-term stability.
Instead of “always ask,” I recommend a rule: negotiate when the dollar amount justifies the effort. For purchases over $500, it’s reasonable to inquire. For recurring bills, review annually. Focus your financial discipline on saving 15–20% of your income, building a 6-month emergency fund, and contributing consistently to retirement accounts. Over 30 years, a steady 7% return in a retirement fund will do far more for you than sporadic discounts.
Be prudent. Choose your moments. Protect your reputation. Financial security is built on consistency, not confrontation.
Remember: respect and stability are worth more than a small, awkward discount.

Should you always ask for a discount wherever you shop?

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