My wife saw an elegant Ikea cupboard on sale on the society’s Whatsapp group. The owner was moving to a different city. 

The cupboard was all white, available at a 40% discount on Ikea’s website listing price. She messaged the owner and showed her intent to buy. 

The same evening I went to his flat. His house was full of packers doing their job. Duct tape and cartons dominated the scene. While his wife was quietly sitting holding a toddler in the corner. 

Without wasting any time, I jumped to the negotiation part. 

*dialougue*

Me: I believe there has to be some scope for negotiation.

He: Absolutely not (it was blunt)

Me: How come? the asking price is 7k, 6.5k is what I ask of you

He: Look the cupboard is in mint condition, it is a fair ask. Had there been a dent, I would have definitely considered your counteroffer. 

Me: *confused* Thinking that my wife has sent me to buy this. I can’t lose a good deal for 500/-

I yielded and transferred the 7k to him. He assures me that it is a fair deal, and we shook hands.

I came back, and my wife was happy. Though I wasn’t too happy that I got no room for negotiations.

Here are my two pence on negotiations:

1. We usually don’t fail at negotiations, we fail to prepare for a negotiation 

2. I had no clue about my plan of action if he adamantly sticks to 7000/-. 

3. There was no Plan B, that is, return hope without a deal, wait it out, etc

Same thing goes for salary negotiations, business negotiations etc. 

Just prepare for it, you might get a much better deal!