How I Earned $100 in 3 Minutes

In need of a laptop computer, I happened into a major electronic retailer a few weeks before Christmas. I’d taken a few minutes to pick out a Mac laptop which I had researched online. I knew that if I had just come in the store a week earlier I could have gotten the exact same computer on sale for $100 off the current price.

On a whim I told the store clerk that I had seen the laptop on sale the week before and asked if I could still get the sale price. To my surprise,  after a slight pause, the clerk said it probably wouldn’t be a problem, he just had to check with his manager. A few minutes later my $100 discount was applied. In just 3 minutes I had “earned” $100.

Yet my experience is not that unusual, especially in today’s economic environment where retailers are looking to make deals.  The problem is that as consumers we often don’t bother to ASK  for a better price. Frequently, retailers are willing to give us a 10% or 15% discount on purchases,  or to give us an item at a previous or future sales price.

The next time you’re about to make an expensive purchase simply ask if the product will be going on sale  and can you get the sale price.  Other common questions to ask include:

I’m thinking about buying this, but is there anyway you can give me a better price? or Can you help me out with the price?

You’ll be surprised that many times you will get a discount. Sometimes a store will not lower the price but will give you “extras” if you ask.  If you purchase a large screen television ask for free cables or free  installation. Purchase a new laptop – ask for a free carrying case.

Remember if you can’t get a discount or free extra you can always walk away and purchase the item some place else.  You may be surprised at how quickly you can get a price break when a salesperson realizes that you’re willing to walk away.

Remember  the motto of a frugal shopper – “It never hurts to ask for a discount.”