Scrolling through a TikTok haul video or an Instagram product showcase, you spot something you like. The seller has a price in the caption, but you have a feeling they’ll go lower. So you type the three magic words that have become the unofficial currency of social commerce: “Best price?” It’s a move that feels bold, but honestly, it’s as common as a double-tap. And that’s exactly why it doesn’t work the way you hope.

Here’s the raw truth: every other person in that comment section is asking the same question. Sellers get dozens of “best price” messages per post. They skim past the generic ones and focus on buyers who look like they might actually follow through. If you want to turn that public comment into a genuine negotiation, you have to stand out in a way that makes the seller want to give you a deal. The comment itself is just a doorbell. What you do after the door opens is where the real savings happen.

First, understand the psychology of a public “best price” comment. When you ask openly, you’re putting the seller on the spot. Other potential buyers see the exchange. The seller knows that lowering the price publicly sets a precedent for everyone else, so they rarely agree to a deep discount in plain view. Instead, they’ll give a vague reply like “DM me” or “Check your inbox.” That vague reply is your opening. You have successfully moved the negotiation to a private space where the seller can be more flexible without losing face. The mistake most people make is following up with the same lackluster energy. If you simply say “So what’s the best price?” in a direct message, you’re back to the same problem. You haven’t told them why you deserve a discount or given them any reason to trust that you’re a serious buyer.

Successful negotiators on platforms like TikTok and Instagram treat the DM as a fresh conversation, not a continuation of the tweet-length back-and-forth. Start by referencing the product specifically. Say something like, “Hey, I saw your video about the cordless drill with the extra batteries. I’m genuinely interested, but I’m trying to stay under $120. Can you meet me there?” That accomplishes two things. It shows you actually looked at what they’re selling, not just the price tag. And it gives a concrete number, which moves the conversation from vague haggling to real deal-making.

The next trick is to use the power of perceived competition. Those “best price” comments you saw on the post? They’re not just noise. They’re evidence that demand exists. You can leverage that by reminding the seller that you’re willing to act quickly. Say something like, “I know you’ve got a few people asking about this, but I’m ready to pay today if we can agree on shipping.” That urgency often works better than trying to make the seller feel bad about their markup. Sellers would rather move inventory fast than hold out for an extra ten dollars. Your job is to make the transaction easy, and in exchange, you ask for a price adjustment.

Another angle is to ask about non-cash sweeteners. Maybe the seller won’t drop the price from $80 to $65, but they’ll toss in free shipping or throw in a detached accessory they mentioned offhand. Those little extras add up. The public “best price” comment opens the door, but the private conversation is where you discover that the seller is more willing to budge on terms than on the sticker price. Be friendly and straightforward. Say something like, “If $70 won’t work, would you consider covering the shipping instead?” That gives them a face-saving option.

Also, pay attention to the seller’s engagement habits. If they post consistently and reply to comments within hours, they’re likely a small business owner with some wiggle room. If they only have a handful of posts and a barely-there following, they might be selling secondhand items at rock-bottom prices already. In that case, the “best price” comment could backfire because they’ve priced to sell immediately. You’ll have better luck complimenting their product and asking if they’d take a flat amount. Personal connections matter more when you’re negotiating with someone who isn’t a professional retailer.

One major mistake people make is commenting on multiple posts from the same seller, spamming “best price” until it feels like harassment. That never works. It just makes you look like a tire-kicker. Instead, choose one product you genuinely want and show that you’ve done your research. Mention you’ve compared it to a similar model elsewhere and that you’d rather support them directly if they can match that competitor’s sale price. Sellers appreciate informed buyers. It shows you’re not going to waste their time with endless back-and-forth.

Finally, remember that social media negotiation is a public performance. Even though you move to DMs, the initial comment sets a tone. The best approach is to comment something more specific than “best price.” Try, “Would you do $45 if I pick it up today?” Or “Do you have this in another color that might be discounted?” That kind of comment signals to other interested buyers that you’re serious, and it gives the seller a concrete offer they can accept or counter. It also makes you look like a savvy shopper, not a cheapskate. When you eventually close the deal, don’t forget to send a quick thank-you message. That positive interaction might earn you a repeat-buyer discount on their next drop.

The bottom line is that “best price” is a starting gun, not a finish line. Use it to get the seller’s attention, then shift quickly to a specific, respectful, and time-sensitive negotiation in their DMs. Do that, and you’ll find that the people behind those posts are often willing to deal. They just need you to prove you’re not another anonymous commenter who disappears when they try to make a sale.