You might get a good deal negotiating to the last penny, but if you erode goodwill with your contractor if something comes up in the future, they won't be too excited to help you with it, and in fact, they might be looking for ways to stick to it later. Get a good deal, but also be fair. Research can help you better understand your vendors' pricing models and restrictions. Your suppliers have specific costs that they must cover, so entering into a price negotiation asking for prices below what they can manage won't do you much good and may seem like a bad faith offer on your part.
This could affect the supplier's willingness to work with you to get any discounts. Or, you can set aside complex negotiations and select pre-contracted offers from a portfolio of high-quality, pre-vetted suppliers, such as Carrier, Grainger, and Koch Filters, among others, who offer discounts of 7 to 25%. Consult the quote with the HVAC contractor and ask if there is room for negotiation. Be respectful and polite, but don't hesitate to ask for a better price.
Some companies may be willing to negotiate to take over their business, especially if they compete with other companies for the position. Make sure you communicate your needs and budget clearly and see if there are areas where you can save some money. However, keep in mind that not all HVAC companies will be willing to negotiate their prices, and you decide if their price is reasonable and fits your budget. While it can be difficult to try to get the lowest prices from your suppliers alone, some companies and products are specifically designed with independent HVAC contractors and small businesses in mind.
If the HVAC contractor isn't willing to provide you with an all-inclusive quote, then it could be a warning sign that they're not a trustworthy company.
