Wealth Finance

We always recommend trying to negotiate before buying a product or service. But sometimes asking even after the deal is completed gets big savings, too. Here are some recent examples.

Healthy discounts on medical bills. After receiving an $87 medical lab bill, a Manchester, Conn., woman without health insurance called the lab to ask whether she might get a discount. Instantly, the lab cut the bill to just $27, For the next bill, she knew to inquire in advance. The result? A $143 charge was reduced just $47. That’s $156 in savings overall, enough to make you start feeling better right away, no matter what ails you.

First-class glass savings. When his Volkswagen’s rear window was vandalized recently, a Consumer Reports staffer decided to go with genuine manufacturer replacement glass. But the part got delayed, and the staffer was forced to rent a car for two weeks. He decided to ask Volkwagen to cover at least some of the $180 rental bill. After he drafted a quick letter with his request, the manufacturer sent him a check for half the amount..

iPhone request gets iRefund. A New York City woman who switched her iPhone service from AT&T to Verizon was surprised by more than $41 in one-time fees and taxes that appeared on her first bill. All it took to remove the charges was a friendly call to Verizon customer service. No pleading necessary.

Of course, the best time to request a discount is before committing to the deal. But if you forget, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a break post-purchase.

Have you had any victories when requesting discounts, pre- or post-purchase? Reply with your stories. We love to hear readers’ money-saving escapades.

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