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Tip Store: Shopping: Haggling/Get a Deal
What is Your Best Price?
Approximate $ Savings: Depends on item purchased
We all know the saying, “if you don’t ask, you don’t receive". Many stores have the displayed retail price, or a sale price, and then there’s another price you may not know about and one which they don't advertise. Its usually known as “their best price”. Stores are desperate to separate you from your hard earned money, so by asking “what is your best price for cash” you can often get the item cheaper. Retailers have to pay large percentages to the banks for the credit card and eftpos facilities, so the magic words to add to your question is “for cash”. The cost of savings can vary, depending on the item, and of course, depending on the retailer. But the savings are there, just ask the question. Contributed by Claire Martin, 26th January 2014
We all know the saying, “if you don’t ask, you don’t receive". Many stores have the displayed retail price, or a sale price, and then there’s another price you may not know about and one which they don't advertise. Its usually known as “their best price”. Stores are desperate to separate you from your hard earned money, so by asking “what is your best price for cash” you can often get the item cheaper. Retailers have to pay large percentages to the banks for the credit card and eftpos facilities, so the magic words to add to your question is “for cash”. The cost of savings can vary, depending on the item, and of course, depending on the retailer. But the savings are there, just ask the question. Contributed by Claire Martin, 26th January 2014
Ask and You Shall Receive
I am part of many paid online research companies (it's fun - but not a major earner). One particular company asked me to do a survey for a leading bank. When I scrolled down I found there was no incentive offered. My time is valuable so I queried what was in it for me? I was told - better service as a customer. Oh yeah! I refused the survey. One week later I had email begging me to participate with a $50 card and bag of goodies on offer from this leading Bank! I finished the survey in record time! Contributed by Melinda Rau-Wig, 19th June 2010
Don't be Afraid to Ask
I used to think that the price advertised was the end of the story. But after working with someone who used to get great deals all the time, I learned this isn't the way. For example now when I want to go on a weekend away, I pick a few hotels I like, check out all the various discount website prices, such as wotif.com, then I email the hotel direct and ask them for their best price. Almost every time they'll knock at least $10 off the price. If you're ever at a clothes shop and buying multiple items, it never hurts to ask if they could offer a deal. Another example, when I was buying my TV, I visited a few stores before choosing the TV, and then went to JB because they had an extra 10% off promotion, and lucky for me a staff member hadn't taken down the promotion that had ended the day before, and I insisted on getting that price as well as the 10% discount. It's all about realising that the stores need your business, and if you don't get the deal you want, there's plenty of other hotels, clothes and TVs out there, and they know that.
Contributed by Jorja Stone, 3rd June 2010
Contributed by Jorja Stone, 3rd June 2010
Choice Shopper!
My membership to choice not only means I have the best independent research to make my big purchasing decisions but then they do the shopping around for me. I simply have to give them the model and a price I've seen in advertised and they call me within 24 hours with the best price after having talked to all the stores. I've bought a fridge freezer, 2 heaters and an iPod and between them saved $1,300! You can either have it delivered or pick up from store. When I picked up the iPod the sales guy asked me how on earth I'd got such a great price!
Contributed by Tori Ames, 4th June 2010
Contributed by Tori Ames, 4th June 2010
Challenge Retailers to Do a Deal
Last week of June I challenged Harvey Norman and The Good Guys to give me the best deal. Harvey Norman won. Their discount on a fridge/freezer was $1,200.00, from $2100.00 to $900.00 plus extra two years warranty cover.
Contributed by Denise Rose, 17th June 2010
Contributed by Denise Rose, 17th June 2010
There's No Harm In Asking
My partner wanted to buy a computer software program over the internet and thought he had until 30th June to receive the 20% discount. When he logged in a few days later to check the website he discovered the offer had finished on 13th June but he needed the software and ordered and paid for it anyway and paid 109 Euros. When I found out about it not only did I flip, but I sent an email to the company telling them that unfortunately we missed their cut off date by two days and could we get the 20% discount anyway. I must say there is no harm in asking, they could have said no but they didn't, they said yes and refunded my account with the 20% difference. My partner could not believe that I had emailed the company and asked for the discount, to which I replied, "There's no harm in asking" and he just shook his head in disbelief.
Contributed by Joanne McConnell, 17th June 2010
Contributed by Joanne McConnell, 17th June 2010
Broker Service Saves Thousands
When looking for a new car, I decided to purchase it through a car broker service offered by my bank at that time (it is available now more widely). Once I had decided on buying a new Peugeot, the representative of the car broker came to my home; asked questions about the car and my needs to see if there might be other options which were better; and while in our kitchen, rang all the dealers to see what their price was and how soon I could get the car. Using this service meant that I was given extras for my car and saved myself $7,000 off the normal retail price.
Contributed by Quentin O'Keefe, 15th June 2010
Contributed by Quentin O'Keefe, 15th June 2010
Is That the Best Price?
You must ALWAYS ask "is that the best (price) you can do?" It's not rude, it's not offensive - it's merely asking the question and nine times out of ten00, it works for me and I'm sure it will for you too. Even if it's a mere $5-$10 it is well worth the question. On occasions, the question has been worth hundreds of dollars.
Contributed by Hayley McColl, 14th June 2010
Contributed by Hayley McColl, 14th June 2010
If You Don't Ask for It, You Won't Get a Deal
I find the best way to get a great deal is to, 'just ask' you'll never know if you don't ask and the worst thing they can do is say no. I bought my daughter a new bed last weekend, it was floor stock and they had $100.00 on it. I asked if there was any room to move on it and the lady said "if you can take it right now, you can have it for $80.00". It couldn't have been easier!
Contributed by Jessica Williams, 11th June 2010
Contributed by Jessica Williams, 11th June 2010
Simply Ask
I am constantly amazed at what is available just by asking. This week my internet provider sent an excess data use bill of $200 on top of our monthly $50 fee. Simply by asking I saved $180.00. I went to see them and ask directly if they could help me with a better costing. No raised voices, no complaining, simply asked if they could help me. They reduced the charge to $20.00 and asked ME if that would be acceptable. I am constantly amazed at the deals offered and the help received simply by asking. Ladies and Gentlemen simply ask, you have nothing to lose and many times you will gain. Especially face to face, it is harder to say no to a person. Please also say Thank You. After the substantial internet bill reduction I asked to see the manager and simply said it was a huge benefit to me and Thank You!
Contributed by Barry Nixon, 10th June 2010
Contributed by Barry Nixon, 10th June 2010
Discounts for Damaged Stock
Before purchasing an item I check it very carefully for small marks etc. Most stores will offer a discount of between 10-20% for marked or "damaged" stock. This works particularly well for clothes and display models of large appliances.
Contributed by Rebecca Clay, 8th June 2010
Contributed by Rebecca Clay, 8th June 2010
Always Get a Good Deal
1. Research prices for your item on the Internet, sales brochures, stores, get quotes. 2. Document the lowest price (print web page, cut out ad, brochure) 3. Go to your preferred, trusted retailer and ask them to beat the price.
Contributed by Mark Kasprzyk, 7th June 2010
Contributed by Mark Kasprzyk, 7th June 2010
Take my Husband!
We have recently ordered a new car and received quotes on trading two cars. My husband has haggled $9,400.00 off the cost of the retail price where as another dealer would only reduce price by $2,500.00. And by selling the other two cars privately, we saved a further $$6,600.00, this saved us a whopping $16,000.00 in total.
Contributed by Debra Lingard, 5th June 2010
Contributed by Debra Lingard, 5th June 2010
Get the Price in Writing
When shopping for large electrical or furniture items, I always ask for best price written on a card from the store. I then take that "best price" to 2 or 3 other stores for comparison. I have always been able to do better at either of the next stores, as stores do want your business over their competitor. On occasion, the original store has bettered the price offered by the next store. You only need to ask. I have done this several times and saved hundreds of dollars.
Contributed by Bronwyn Cartledge, 5th June 2010
Contributed by Bronwyn Cartledge, 5th June 2010
Shop at Owner Operated Stores
Whenever I go non-grocery shopping I go to stores who are run by owners or places where you can negotiate the price. I usually go in mind to grab 'a bit'. I'll comment how hubby 'wont be happy' at how much I spend. So far its always worked lol, especially with guys (sorry guys).
Contributed by Julie Emmins, 4th June 2010
Contributed by Julie Emmins, 4th June 2010
Save a Bundle on Display Stock
Buy display stock - especially at the end of the month or end of financial year. We just bought an Ilve stove which RRP is over $8000 and we got it for $5000 because the store wanted it sold before 30 June. You just have to check the stock out very well for any flaws but our stove had none.
Contributed by Tracey Ashley, 4th June 2010
Contributed by Tracey Ashley, 4th June 2010
Leave Your Purse Behind
I actually left my purse at home when we went to negotiate a price on a new car. I didn't have my ID with me, which the salesman needed to organise rego, and of course I didn't have all my cards etc to access money. We had settled on a reasonable figure, so we told the salesman that we would just go grab my purse and have a chat about it, because it was more than we planned to pay. I guess he thought that we might go away and never come back, because he dropped another $500 off the negotiated price without us even asking! Happy day! So we signed the contract before going off to get my purse. My husband stopped complaining how annoying it was that I'd left my purse at home when it saved us $500!
Contributed by Isabel Fitch, 4th June 2010
Contributed by Isabel Fitch, 4th June 2010
If You Want a Great Deal, Wait!
The best tip I can give on getting a great deal is WAIT!! I had been considering buying a TV for my bedroom, I had searched everywhere even the charity stores and those were around $80.00. I did consider saving up for a new flat screen as a very luxurious treat but after a few weeks searching for that bargain I had a girlfriend that was going to throw hers out ... so yes I scored it for free ... remote and all!! It was worth the WAIT! One persons trash is definitely another persons treasure.
Contributed by Trina Newman, 4th June 2010
Contributed by Trina Newman, 4th June 2010
It's sale time
It's the end of the financial year and the sales are on. With only a few days to go until the end of the financial year, now is a great time to be buying those big ticket items such as cars, furniture, whitegoods and electronics. You'll pick up some great deals off the catalogues but you can do better if you try these simple steps: 1.Know what you want - do your research before you hit the shops. 2.Know how much you are prepared to spend - and don't forget that is your absolute upper limit. 3.Don't be afraid to ask the question "Is this your best price?" - if you don't ask, you won't get. 4.Always be polite and friendly - the sales people are only doing the job they are paid to do. 5.Value add - if you can't shift the price, ask for free extended warranty, delivery, upgrades etc 6.Be prepared to haggle - ask for a cash discount if you have cash, a seniors discount if you are a senior etc
Tip of the Day, 23rd June 2010
Tip of the Day, 23rd June 2010
Voluntary Code of Practise for Scanning Goods
Approximate $ Savings: $600/yr
Many people don't realise that Coles, Woollies and other major stores will generally give you an item FREE if it has scanned at the wrong price in their computer system. By checking your docket each time you go shopping you can save a lot of money! The rule is that they will give you the first item free, if you have purchased more than one of the same item then they will give you the difference for the rest of the items. So for example, I once bought two fans from Woollies which were advertised at $20 each, but scanned at $40 each. They refunded the $40 for the first fan, and reimbursed the $20 overcharge for the second fan, saving me $60! I average about one free item each time I shop, averaging about $10 of free groceries per week. Taking into account the saving on the overcharge as well, this saves me at least $600 a year. Best of all, I'm not actually having to reduce what I'm purchasing, I'm just getting free groceries for the cost of 30 seconds of my time in checking the docket! Contributed by Sarah, Netley, 3rd February 2009
Many people don't realise that Coles, Woollies and other major stores will generally give you an item FREE if it has scanned at the wrong price in their computer system. By checking your docket each time you go shopping you can save a lot of money! The rule is that they will give you the first item free, if you have purchased more than one of the same item then they will give you the difference for the rest of the items. So for example, I once bought two fans from Woollies which were advertised at $20 each, but scanned at $40 each. They refunded the $40 for the first fan, and reimbursed the $20 overcharge for the second fan, saving me $60! I average about one free item each time I shop, averaging about $10 of free groceries per week. Taking into account the saving on the overcharge as well, this saves me at least $600 a year. Best of all, I'm not actually having to reduce what I'm purchasing, I'm just getting free groceries for the cost of 30 seconds of my time in checking the docket! Contributed by Sarah, Netley, 3rd February 2009
Don't Forget To Haggle
When shopping for furniture don't forget to haggle. We went shopping for a mattress at a discount furniture store for my son. The normal price was $199 the lady said the best price was $180 but I got her down to $175 which I felt good about. I was happy to get a great deal and service for less.
Contributed by Maryana, Elizabeth North, 24th January 2009