This benefits both parties, the sub or supplier ends up paying less, or no, taxes on the barter, and you get what you want without spending your budget. This is a great option, especially if you have an item you were considering getting rid of anyway. If you don't own boats and motorcycles, this doesn't mean you can't barter. If you don't have anything you can trade, you should consider what you do have-do you have connections? You might have access to wholesale, trade at retail, etc. You might have a friend who is a boat dealer that would let you buy a boat at $30k and trade it at $40k. This is a great deal for you, and a great deal for the sub. Or you could buy things in bulk and get a better price, then trade them. You just need to be creative. You almost always have a valuable service, item, or connection you can offer in trade for an item that you want. So, explore this option, this is a great way to negotiate with subs.

Fine Tune

Another great way to negotiate with subs is to simply ask them to sharpen their pencil. What does that mean? It means you go to them and tell them that you like their work, and you would like to hire them. Then you explain how their pricing is not fitting in your budget, and you would like them to go home and "sharpen their pencil," and get back to you with a better offer by morning. Usually this will get you a better price. If not, what do you have to lose by asking?

Ask For The Best Deal

Speaking of asking.When it comes to negotiating with subs, you will never get the best deal if you don't ask for it. It is really easy to ask for the best deal, but there is a great way to ask for it in order to actually get it. What can you do? Start by making sure the sub knows they will be bidding against at least 2 others.

Then let them know that you want their best price the first time and don't want to have to come back and negotiate. Make them feel good about themselves, and let them know you are serious about using them, not just trying to get a good deal.

Tell them you selected them because of a referral, and that you have high expectations of them, and know they have a good reputation, so you want them to live up to it. This will usually get you better results then if you are fake or insincere

You want to get the subs you are negotiating with on your side by asking for their insight and suggestions using your interview questions. Don't be fake, rather be sincere and show that you appreciate their time, and insight. Let them see that you are a good person to work with. And that they will want to be hired by you. If you can do this, chances are you will get a better deal, and both you and the sub will be happier about the transaction.