One of my friends is a successful bargain hunter. When I ask her some tricks to help me do as well, I get the feeling she thinks I can't deliver. What can I do to make good shopping deals myself? - Susan Saver
Dear Ms. Saver: A variety of magazines join me in touting some successful methods for saving money by bargaining while shopping. First and foremost, regardless of whether you're in a department store or at a garage sale, be polite. A friendly customer is much more apt to receive purchasing perks than a rude person. Consider these suggestions, especially if you still find back-to-school shopping necessary.
When store shopping, always ask to see the manager if trying to strike a deal. (A salesclerk must ask the manager anyway so just skip this middleman.) Point out minor problems, such as a missing button and ask for a discount, especially if it's the last one in your size or whatever. Family Circle says this tactic usually gets a customer 10-20% off and sometimes even more if Maurice Manager is having a good day. Another strategy is to "Like" the store on Facebook and follow Twitter. These days, technologically savvy shoppers can save money on this type of sale since often they'll know in advance of sales circulars.
Neighborhood stores usually have an owner on the premises, and this is the person with whom you'll ask to speak. Obviously, he or she has the final voice on prices and may even enjoy the art of negotiation. Emphasize the neighborhood aspect, too, such as "I'd love to do business with you since we're neighbors here in East Brainerd, but Adele's in Hixson has a better price. Can you match them?"
Ellen Phillips Flea markets and garage/yard sales are special kinds of beasts. Negotiation is expected and, frankly, if you don't make a (reasonable) offer, you're likely to either miss out on a great item or overpay to the extreme. If you can, wait until the end of the day before making your offer; by that time, the owner is tired and wants to pack up and go home. Don't forget, though - you're chancing the article being snatched up by other browsers before the end of the period. Carry cash to seal the deal. While some fleas market vendors do accept credit or debit cards, garage sale sellers almost always deal in cold, hard cash. Have a variety of coins on hand, too; you don't want to overpay because the owner doesn't have the correct change to return to you. (This especially holds true for a garage sale.) Don't forget that while the old adage is true "One man's trash is another man's treasure," if you decide your treasure is really garbage after all, you cannot return items to either a flea market or to a garage sale proprietor; it might have to wait until your next yard sale!
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.