How to say NO to any deal
Resistance is futile! Consumers are often characterized as people who cannot pass up a good deal. That philosophy may be true, but consumers have a right to say no. It was very likely one of your first words as a child, but some of you didn’t carry the strength of the word into adulthood.
You do not have to accept every situation because it’s in front of you. Saying no to a deal is often a good business decision, especially considering that keeping your hard-earned money is always a positive result. Making a decision to say no does not make you any less of an individual. What’s important to note is that you have the final say.
Example #1: Say No to the Real Estate “Deal”
With the real estate market in the slumps, consumers hear that it is currently a buyer’s market. That means that housing prices are low, sellers are desperate, and buyers can likely get a great deal. However, that “deal” may not look so lucrative six months or one year from now.
When you are purchasing a property, there’s likely a team of experts that counsel you and sometimes influence you. Not only will friends and family coerce you, but bankers, lawyers, real estate agents and accountants may also. Remember, your realtor only pockets a paycheck if you take advantage of that “deal.”
However, if the conditions are not met or you simply have a gut feeling that the transaction is not progressing in the direction you were hoping, you can always back out. Even professional investors back out of deals regularly. Make sure you plan for an exit strategy and have the ability to stand up for yourself, even when other parties are attempting to convince you otherwise.
Example #2: Walk Away From the Dealership
Most people are intimidated when it comes to buying an automobile. The stereotypical car salesperson is the greasy, smooth-talking untrustworthy jerk with a toothpick in his mouth. More than likely, you’ve already been sized up before you walk in the dealership door.
In this situation, be informed and educated. Buying a car is expensive, and you do not want to work with someone who cannot take no for an answer. For example, if you are at the dealership because you saw an advertisement for $1000 off for college students and $3000 for first-time buyers (both apply to you) for 2008 models, expect the $4000 off any 2008 model as it read.
However, the salesperson will tell you that the advertisement is only for particular models. You find yourself at a crossroads. You need the car and they need the sale, but it’s not what you feel comfortable with. Don’t panic and feel you have to choose – car salespeople are experts in convincing you why you should give in. Demonstrate your ‘no’ power by walking away from an unscrupulous advertisement.
Just Say No!
Saying no to a deal does not only involve you as a consumer. In fact, saying no to a deal in your personal life also requires thorough decision making. The deal could be to accept a monetary settlement agreement after divorce. Perhaps your teenage daughter asked you to co-sign for a car. In some professional work situations, you just have to say no to clients that are not making you a profit or that you simply don’t have a healthy work relationship with. In all situations, there’s bound to be some hard feelings, but you always have to “say no” for your best interest.
The best strategy to say no to any deal is to be informed and educate yourself. If you are educated, you can make a better decision and not feel any remorse by walking away. Remember, deals often apply to items that we want but don’t need. In the end, your deciding factor should be if you would regret not taking the deal if you walked away. It’s very like that you will not regret that decision.
