As devoted as we are to Craigslist and eBay, even the most thrifty eventually buy something new. From our blue bouclé floor model couch to the invisibly dented KitchenAid stainless dishwasher, we’re not above seeking out deals in the priciest of stores. We’re also not above good bargain hunting tips, which The Oregonian provided in spades.
Some basic suggestions: Look for discounted patio furniture after July 4; buy in January and February, not November and December; and always research, research, research (bring along Consumer Reports, if needed). But the best tips are for those not afraid to haggle.
Next time we go shopping, we’ll keep in mind that:
• Retailers may agree to a 2 percent discount for cash to avoid paying a credit card fee.
• If an advertised sale item isn't available, they may waive shipping fees to have it delivered.
• Price isn't everything. Sometimes it's worth finding out if they can throw in free delivery, give an extended warranty, recycle your old appliance or offer other perks.
• One nicely worded suggestion comes from shopper Jim Bobbet, “We always ask, ‘Can you do better on the price?’” Simple, polite and almost exactly how we wound up getting 60 percent off our Angela Adams rug!
So do you haggle? And, if so, what’s the best bargain you’ve ever negotiated?
The article is here.
Images: Marv Bondarowicz/The Oregonian
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Comments (1)
My S/O is an experienced negotiator. He got my eyeglasses at a reduced price and talked down the cost of our handicapped-accessible range and a more substantial bed to replace our rickety metal one (and free delivery on the last two, which came from the same dealer). He even talked the delivery guys into moving our old range into the garage, which made it easy for the new owner to pick up. It also helped that in these transactions, we paid cash.
When I bought my refrigerator in late 2001, Home Depot picked up the dead 70s model I was replacing at no charge. The delivery guy said he'd never seen one that didn't have wheels! I was very fortunate to find a scratch & dent that was a CR Best Buy. Because I bought it with my HD credit card, they waived the usual delivery fee and gave me several months to pay it off without interest.