While some stores don’t seem to be swayed when you try to strike a deal, many surprisingly are. Here are some tips for haggling so you can get the best deals.
Damaged/Open packaging
If you are buying something that has been previously opened, ask if you can get a deal on it. Stores have a much harder time turning over goods with opened and damaged packaging, so you can usually save an extra 20-30% off the retail price. You can even ask them to open the packaging while you are in the store so you can check and make sure all the pieces are still in the opened package… if anything is missing, you can usually get an extra discount… and if it is just a manual, you can often download a copy of it online or request one from the manufacturer. You can also ask the cashier to mark on the receipt that you purchased an open product if it is something that might have been returned because it didn’t work.
Dated product
If the product is nearing its expiration date (and you know you will use it before that date) ask for a discount. This is especially true for perishables, such as dairy products. Sometimes if the date is close enough (expires within a day or so) they might even gift it to you for free, especially if you already have a cart full of other groceries you are buying, since the section manager might view it as a good will gesture, knowing you are purchasing a significant amount of other groceries too.
Already Reduced
If something has already been reduced (whether it is perishable, or something that is out of season, such as a pair of shorts in December) ask if they can discount it any further. And it doesn’t hurt to do a price check… if it is clothing, it could have been hiding on a rack when a service person went through with their price gun to show further price reductions, which is a frequent problem in chain department stores.
Meat department deals
Many grocery stores will go and reduce meat that is nearing the best before date. So become familiar with your grocery store policies, such as if they discount them 2 days before the best before date. Shopping first thing in the morning you will have a better selection for the meat, then just ask the meat manager to put the discount stickers on them before you go to pay. It is a great deal, as long as you remember to eat them or freeze them before the best before date.
Price adjustments
Many stores, particularly for clothing, have a policy where you can being your receipt back for a price adjustment if it goes in sale within the next X number of days, usually 14 or 30 days. Just remember to take your receipt back for the price adjustment! Most stores offer this simply because most people do not get around to returning for the price adjustment, and if they do, chances are pretty good they will end up buying something else when they come back too! So be sure to ask if there is a policy, and then watch the sale flyers to see if it goes on sale, then make a point of going back and getting your receipt adjusted. If you want to skip out on the holiday crowds, plan your trip either as soon as the store opens or closer to the closing time.
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