Home => Frugal Living => Shopping and Yard Sales => 6 Bargaining Tips
Related Articles: Great Bargains at Thrift Stores | Hunting for Bargain Books

6 Bargaining Tips for a Better Deal!
by Lawrence Kellie - lawrence@calacreek.com

Sponsored links:

My wife works in retail sales; in fact, she is the second in command of the fabric store she works in. Because of that, she comes across all types of people who try all types of tactics to get something for much less than the list price. She has even had customers out right lie to her.... This is not an assumption; people have been caught.

With that in mind, here are some bargaining tips that won't leave you hated by the store!

1. Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.

There is nothing inherently wrong with asking for sales, as long as you ask nicely. I remember shopping for a very expensive Christmas gift for our son, and I asked if the store know if it was going to go on sale before Christmas. This is perfectly acceptable. After all, the point of the sales people is to make the sale!

2. Shyness and Cryness.

If you are too shy to ask for information about bargains, you just may "cry" when you get home! This goes along with No. 1 above. Don't be shy. For the most part, no one will hurt you.

3. Obnoxiousness.

Don't be obnoxious about the entire process. I know that some "bargain tips" advice you to stall. This is down right rude! Nothing stronger can be said. Monopolizing the sale's person's time will only bring about animosity. Don’t do it.

4. Quantity Discounts.

Ask if the store offers quantity discounts. Some do, some don't. If they do, and you ask, then you are farther ahead.

5. Defects.

There are many "bargain" tipsters who will advice to search studiously to find something wrong with the item. Again, this can be taken to the point of dishonesty. Many stores *will* reduce the price some for a defect. However, scrutinizing with a microscope is going a little too far. Also, the store may have already reduced the item *for* that defect.

6. Honesty.

Finally, play honest. Leave a good impression when you leave. Act in such a way that the next time you come in, the sales persons will be more than eager to help you. They won't dread seeing your face.

After all, is it worth a couple of cents to keep a good name?

Lawrence Kellie is the Deputy Training in a large law firm in Seattle, WA. In his non-work hours, he manages Cala Creek Consumer Alert! website. He also produces two free Ezines: Diet and Foods published three times a week (dietandfoods-subscribe@calacreek.com) and Cala Creek Consumer Alert! published once a week (alert-subscribe@calacreek.com). Finally, he is a husband and father to a wonderful family.