If you’re after a great deal on a crystal chandelier, consider buying a used or antique fixture. You’ll have to do a bit of work to clean it up and maybe update the electrical wiring, but you’ll probably save a lot of money over buying a new chandelier. Look online, at garage sales, at antique dealers and in thrift stores to find a selection of used lights.
Before you head out, do a little research so you’ll know what you’re looking at. Crystal chandeliers vary widely in price and quality depending on when and where they were made. A little bit of research before you leave your house can help you identify high quality, beautiful chandeliers that you may be able to get at a fraction of the retail price. The goal is to know more about the light than the dealer, but not to share that information.
When you find a light you like, that you know is good quality, start talking to the dealer about it. See if they have a vast knowledge of crystal chandeliers or if they just think of it as another item on the shelf. You’re in luck if it’s the latter. Don’t seem too eager to purchase the item.
Your starting offer on a light you really like can be as low as 70% of their asking price. Don’t go too low, or you risk offending the owner of the store. Don’t go too high, because you want to pay as little as possible. The goal is to meet half way between their price and your first offer. Looking for defects in the crystal chandeliers, such as missing crystals or finding a fixture that has been in the shop for a while are great bargaining tools.
With any luck, you should be able to get the light for less than the asking price. It’s already discounted over a new model because it’s used, and with any luck your amazing bargaining skills will help drive the price further down, getting you your crystal chandeliers at an unbeatable price.