Retailers have to earn a living, too
It may sound crazy, but consumers do have an advantage in today’s retail market. Everyone wants to make money, and retailers are no exception. A recent article on The Motley Fool, it’s to your advantage to ask about discounts or try to find a bargain.
Motley reports that a Consumer Reports survey from 2007 found 90 percent of people who bargained with salespersons got discounts on at least one sale over three years. Considering the survey was taken before retailers got desperate for business, it’s likely the results would be even better now.
Where to find bargains
There are discounts to be had on all kinds of products and services if you don’t mind asking. Some people are better with bargaining than others and keeping it with major purchases at first is a good idea.
Do your research first
If you know the best prices ahead of time you’ll be better prepared to negotiate. If you enjoy getting out and really seeing everything, you can comparison shop the old-fashioned way by going from store to store or calling around. Those who prefer less hands on tactics, the process can be easier and faster. Some online retailers offer price comparisons and tell you what the lowest price is and who offers it. You can also go from store to store online and compare for yourself.
Learn the tricks of the trade
Do your research on the best times of the year to buy the item you’re looking for. If you can’t wait until that time,try to shop when stores are uncrowded and sales people are more eager to make sales. Do be aware of price matching discounts that some stores offer. Rules differ between retailers, so know who you’re dealing with ahead of time, but the idea is that some stores will beat prices if a competitor offers a lower price, though not always online. This a way to get a great deal quick. Some of the locally owned businesses may be even more likely to bargain with you because they have no corporate office to contend with; they make the call about what price they want to offer.
Don’t go over the top
It is important not to get so carried away with your bargaining that you lose your cool. Sometimes the price simply can’t be lowered.If the price can be lowered, the salesperson might only be willing to lower it for someone who seems to deserve it. If you need to take time to compose yourself and think about the purchase, do so. It may even work in your favor to walk away for a while because the salesperson may become even more impatient for the sale and offer a better deal. So get out there and enjoy the wealth of savings available to you.
