Bargain vs. Negotiation — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 31, 2024
A bargain focuses on obtaining a deal at a lower price, while negotiation involves a discussion to reach a mutually agreeable outcome.
Difference Between Bargain and Negotiation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bargain often implies a focus on price reduction or getting a deal that is considered favorable from a cost perspective. Individuals look for bargains to save money, seeking discounts, offers, or lower-priced items without necessarily engaging in extensive discussions with the seller. Whereas negotiation is a broader process that involves discussions, compromises, and strategic dialogue between parties to reach an agreement that benefits all involved. It's not just about price but can also include terms, conditions, quantities, and more.
Bargain is typically a simpler, more straightforward process. It can happen in everyday transactions where the main goal is to reduce the cost of a purchase, such as at a garage sale or in a retail setting with marked discounts. On the other hand, negotiation is more complex and strategic, often used in business deals, job offers, and situations where multiple aspects besides price are at stake.
While bargains are often found or offered, negotiations are initiated by the parties involved. A customer may stumble upon a bargain while shopping, but negotiation usually requires one party to start the dialogue, proposing terms that differ from the initial offer.
Bargains can sometimes be a one-sided affair, where the buyer benefits from a lower price without the seller gaining significant advantage, except for perhaps moving inventory. Conversely, successful negotiations aim to leave all parties feeling satisfied with the outcome, fostering long-term relationships and mutual respect.
Bargains are usually associated with less formal transactions and can often be concluded quickly, whereas negotiations may take time, involving multiple discussions and back-and-forth exchanges to reach a consensus that respects the interests of all parties involved.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Price reduction
Mutual agreement on terms
Complexity
Simpler, often a quick process
More complex, may involve multiple discussions
Scope
Primarily financial considerations
Broader, including terms, conditions, quantities
Initiation
Found or offered
Initiated by the parties
Relationship Impact
Limited interaction, one-sided benefit possible
Aims for mutual satisfaction, building relationships
Compare with Definitions
Bargain
A favorable deal with advantageous terms.
Getting the last model year at a reduced price was a real bargain.
Negotiation
The process by which people aim to reach agreement on a matter of mutual interest.
The negotiation between the union and the company lasted for weeks.
Bargain
An agreement between parties on a price lower than the initially asked price.
She found a bargain at the flea market, buying vintage lamps at half price.
Negotiation
The art of discussing the terms of a transaction to reach a consensus.
Effective negotiation skills are crucial for business deals.
Bargain
An informal agreement between two parties on a course of action.
They struck a bargain to split the profits equally.
Negotiation
The act of navigating through disagreements to achieve a harmonious solution.
The negotiation over the contract terms proved to be more challenging than expected.
Bargain
The act of negotiating the terms of a purchase.
After a brief bargain, they agreed on a reasonable price for the car.
Negotiation
A strategic discussion that resolves an issue in a way that both parties find acceptable.
Through careful negotiation, they settled on a compromise that satisfied everyone.
Bargain
A thing bought or offered for sale much more cheaply than usual.
The discount store was full of bargains during the clearance sale.
Negotiation
A bargaining process between two or more parties each with its own aims, needs, and viewpoints.
The trade negotiation focused on tariffs and market access.
Bargain
An agreement between parties fixing obligations that each promises to carry out.
Negotiation
Negotiation is a dialogue between two or more people or parties intended to reach a beneficial outcome over one or more issues where a conflict exists with respect to at least one of these issues. Negotiation is an interaction and process between entities who aspire to agree on matters of mutual interest, while optimizing their individual utilities.
Bargain
An agreement establishing the terms of a sale or exchange of goods or services
Reached a bargain with the antique dealer over the lamp.
Negotiation
Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement
A worldwide ban is currently under negotiation
Negotiations between unions and employers
Bargain
Property acquired or services rendered as a result of such an agreement.
Negotiation
The action or process of transferring legal ownership of a document.
Bargain
Something offered or acquired at a price advantageous to the buyer
That silk dress is a bargain at that price.
Negotiation
The act or process of negotiating
Successful negotiation of a contract.
Entered into labor negotiations.
Bargain
To negotiate the terms of an agreement, as to sell or exchange.
Negotiation
The transfer of a negotiable instrument.
Bargain
To engage in collective bargaining.
Negotiation
The process of achieving agreement through discussion.
The specifics of the contract are still under negotiation.
The two parties entered into negotiations about the merger.
Bargain
To arrive at an agreement.
Negotiation
The act or process of negotiating; a treating with another respecting sale or purchase. etc.
Bargain
To exchange; trade
Bargained my watch for a meal.
Negotiation
Hence, mercantile business; trading.
Who had lost, with these prizes, forty thousand pounds, after twenty years' negotiation in the East Indies.
Bargain
An agreement between parties concerning the sale of property; or a contract by which one party binds himself to transfer the right to some property for a consideration, and the other party binds himself to receive the property and pay the consideration.
Negotiation
The transaction of business between nations; the mutual intercourse of governments by diplomatic agents, in making treaties, composing difference, etc.; as, the negotiations at Ghent.
An important negotiation with foreign powers.
Bargain
An agreement or stipulation; mutual pledge.
Negotiation
A discussion intended to produce an agreement;
The buyout negotiation lasted several days
They disagreed but kept an open dialogue
Talks between Israelis and Palestinians
Bargain
An item purchased for significantly less than the usual, or recommended, price
Negotiation
The activity or business of negotiating an agreement; coming to terms
Bargain
A gainful transaction; an advantageous purchase.
To buy a thing at a bargain
At that price, it's not just a bargain, it's a steal.
Bargain
The thing stipulated or purchased.
Bargain
(intransitive) To make a bargain; to make a deal or contract for the exchange of property or services; to negotiate
They had to bargain for a few minutes to get a decent price for the rug.
Bargain
(transitive) To transfer for a consideration; to barter; to trade
Bargain
An agreement between parties concerning the sale of property; or a contract by which one party binds himself to transfer the right to some property for a consideration, and the other party binds himself to receive the property and pay the consideration.
A contract is a bargain that is legally binding.
Bargain
An agreement or stipulation; mutual pledge.
And whon your honors mean to solemnizeThe bargain of your faith.
Bargain
A purchase; also ( when not qualified), a gainful transaction; an advantageous purchase; as, to buy a thing at a bargain.
Bargain
The thing stipulated or purchased; also, anything bought cheap.
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.
Bargain
To make a bargain; to make a contract for the exchange of property or services; - followed by with and for; as, to bargain with a farmer for a cow.
So worthless peasants bargain for their wives.
Bargain
To transfer for a consideration; to barter; to trade; as, to bargain one horse for another.
Bargain
An agreement between parties (usually arrived at after discussion) fixing obligations of each;
He made a bargain with the devil
He rose to prominence through a series of shady deals
Bargain
An advantageous purchase;
She got a bargain at the auction
The stock was a real buy at that price
Bargain
Negotiate the terms of an exchange;
We bargained for a beautiful rug in the bazaar
Bargain
Come to terms; arrive at an agreement
Common Curiosities
Do negotiations always lead to a compromise?
Often, but the goal is to reach an agreement that all parties find acceptable, not necessarily a compromise.
What is the main goal of a bargain?
To obtain goods or services at a lower price than initially offered.
Is a bargain the same as a sale?
Not exactly; a sale is a formal reduction in price, while a bargain can be any good deal found or negotiated.
Can anyone initiate a negotiation?
Yes, any party interested in altering the initial terms can initiate negotiations.
Are negotiations confidential?
They can be, depending on the nature of the agreement and the wishes of the parties involved.
Can you negotiate the price of anything?
While many things are negotiable, some prices or terms may be fixed and non-negotiable.
Are there ethical concerns in bargaining or negotiation?
Yes, transparency, honesty, and fairness are important to maintain trust and respect.
Can a bargain be a bad deal?
Yes, if the quality of the product or service is poor, a lower price may not constitute a good value.
Is it necessary to have negotiation skills for everyday life?
Yes, as negotiation can occur in many settings, from professional to personal life.
Can negotiation involve aspects other than price?
Yes, it can include terms, conditions, quantities, and more.
How can I become better at bargaining?
Practice, research prices, and learn to express your needs clearly while being willing to walk away.
Can a negotiation fail?
Yes, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, the negotiation may end without a resolution.
Is bargaining considered a form of negotiation?
Bargaining can be seen as a simpler form of negotiation, primarily focused on price.
Can cultural differences impact negotiation?
Absolutely, as different cultures have varying norms and expectations regarding negotiation practices.
What is the key to successful negotiation?
Understanding the needs and wants of the other party and finding a mutually beneficial solution.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
