Negotiations: The art, science, & sport of online deals

 Discussions may seem as complicated as physics, in fact, people go to college to study the science of negotiation, like the laws of nature. At the same time, the debates are a kind of Zen psychological jujitsu, like ancient art. When Zeno science doesn’t work, no one succeeds.

Ask any hockey fan out there. The recent lockout and cancellation of the 2004-2005 NHL season is a good example of bad debate. Players' union and league owners have violated all rules when a player mediates a deal on contracts. As a result hockey rinks across North America. In dollar terms, professional hockey television deals, advertising fees and tons of ticket sales are lost.

Of course, you will not lose billions of revenue if you fail in recent discussions on your favorite online classifieds or auction site. But the treasure can slip through your fingers. On the other hand, for success in making a deal, those newcomers can bring you a Bobby or a card, a signed Stanley Cup puck, or any other dazzling item you are bidding for.

Furthermore, proper negotiations and adjustments can ensure that the item is received at its reasonable value, including good prices on goods and taxes. This will increase the profitability of the business for you and the seller. The deal ends without dirty disputes, blow-ups or hip checks. You are left to trade again in the future.

To reap all these benefits and avoid your own mini lockout, follow these simple tips for effective discussions on online classifieds sites. As you can see, success does not mean exact science or the mystical sixth. It is simple knowledge and common sense.

To stay warm. Don't jump into the cold of debate. Before confronting your opponent, find out what counts as success. What exactly do you want from a business and for what price?

Consider the ceasefire. Leaving the puck is not even worth it. In other words, discussions like hockey games end in loss to the home team. So consider this risk before you start. If the item at hand is a dream purchase, you may not want to risk your purchase through discussion.

Know when to pass. On the other hand, if the item is too far from a dream and you are sure that something is better then you can negotiate. Or go for the score. Offer at a reduced rate. If you win, you won't run much and if you lose it leaves no mark. But make sure you play this game. You may miss this opportunity without the guarantee of future possibilities.

Get to know your enemy. Coaches and players spend hours watching upcoming match movies to learn their trends before games. You must adopt the same method when trading. Try to read the minds of your opponents. What are his or her goals in the discussion? Is there any power he or she can use against you? Are there any weaknesses you can use against them?

Find all your paths. During your research, you may find that this particular seller is not the only person you are looking for. Using these other sellers and their prices to your advantage will help you skate around your opponent.

Practice before you play. Also, explore the item before you play one. This knowledge, such as price and quality markers, acts as a leverage during bargaining.

Translate the idea into action. Your strategy becomes more complex, unpredictable and effective when you are in the heat of battle. Be sure to think on your feet and remember everything you learned in your training. For example, if you know that sellers have other items for sale other than your goal, readily approve one of these other purchases. First go for the easy ones. This will make them trust you and give them easy paths to the future.

When it comes to content, negotiations are giving and receiving. It works best when both parties get what they want from the deal and they seem to have paid more for a very small amount.

It's something you don't discuss. Don't be afraid of the opposition. They’re part of the art and science of the business, so don’t be tempted to break the barrier alone. Instead, let your opponent make the first move. They will. They make a deal