Have you ever been out shopping and notice that something you are purchasing has a small flaw? Did you put it back on the shelf or buy it anyway? If it is something you can live with, next time… ask the store for a discount.
Last time you were shopping, did you have to wait in an especially long line? Was there an unusual delay to the start of an event? Next time, ask for a discount.
Basically, it can often simply take the effort to ask and you can save money. Certainly the worst thing the store can say is no. If they do, there is no reason to push the issue. But, often they may actually agree. Store owners want happy customers and if there is ever a problem, often times providing the patron with a discount can turn a bad situation into a good one.
Another time to make the effort to ask is when you are signing up for a new service, like a cell phone or gym membership. These companies want you and they will often be willing to work within your budget. They know that locking you in to their product will ensure months of income for them. Use this to your advantage. Ask for a reduced rate, especially if their price structure doesn’t fit your budget.
The key to being a good consumer is to be aware. Understand businesses motivations and also how to make that work with your needs. Don’t be stingy, businesses have to make a living as well. But, if you approach the situation with a win-win attitude and a smile, you may both end up happy in the end.
In the U.S. we often think the sticker price on a product is the end-all, be-all price. In many other countries, customers are far more used to price haggling. Certainly not everything is negotiable, but a smart consumer knows when the right time is to look for an opportunity to save money.
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