Negotiating With The Vet For A Lower Bill
If you find yourself faced with a large vet bill that you can’t pay, or just want to see if you can get it lowered, there are some tactics that you can try. Remember first of all, negotiating does not have to be, nor should it be confrontational. If it does become confrontational then you have lost.
Remember the key to negotiating is to see and acknowledge the other person’s side so they are more willing to acknowledge your side.
Let the vet know that you are aware that he/she has a staff to pay and other bills. Also be honest with your ability to pay and your feelings on the size of the bill in an unemotional way.
Preparing To Ask For A Discount
Remember, if you have been reading this blog, you should always try to establish a good relationship with the vet before you are even faced with large bills or an emergency surgery. Go there with your pet to just visit and set up a routine appointment to start with.
It is always harder to negotiate a large vet bill if you do not know the vet and they don’t know you.
Be Nice To The Vet Techs
Remember that alot of times the person who writes up the bill is not the vet, but the vet tech. Make sure you are nice to everyone in the clinic, including the receptionist. The vet clinic is a small place and if you are mean to one staff member, they will all hear about it very quickly.
Always Get An Estimate
Remember one way to prevent large vet bills is to always ask for an estimate before any procedure is done, no matter how minor.
It Doesn’t Hurt To Ask
Recently Consumer Reports found that 60% of vets will give you a discount if you bring in multiple pets, and 50% will give you a discount if you are a senior citizen.
Remember there is no harm in asking for a discount, so ask!!! Remember it is a service industry, so if you ask nicely they will often give you one.
