While if you listen to the main stream press you would think that the days of negotiating are well and truly dead in the financial industry, this is not always the case.  Even now in the current climate there is still scope to squeeze that extra few pounds out for yourself, whether a delayed payment schedule, a rebate on the set-up fee, or some other perk.  So how do you actually go about doing it?

In order to get the best deal for yourself, you need to be a little up front, but in a controlled manner.  Ask what they can offer you, and how they can assist in reducing the cost a little, because many financial institutions will see set-up fees as their basis for negotiating.  But, don’t expect them to rollover and give your a discount without a fight, it wont happen.  They are in business, and in it to make as much profit as possible!

If negotiating is so wide spread why is it never in the press, and why do advisers never encourage you to look around for the best discounts? This is a regular argument for those who say that discounting does not go on (i.e. the financial industry), and they will do their best to ensure that they can squeeze the last penny of profit out of you.