Gilmore Girls

Getting A Discount

We've all been there: That perfect pair of mules just cries out to us from the store shelf. But, egad! That price tag would mean the kids don't eat for a week. And what about that video camera you've been saving for, waiting for that "on sale" sign to appear.

But maybe you don't have to wait. Perhaps you can get the sale price any day of the week, even when no sale is advertised. And while there is almost always room for the merchant to move on the price, that margin is wider for some products than others. For example, clothes have some of the biggest markups out there, from 25% and up (way up), while electronics often have markups of as little as 10%.

Here's how:

  • Be nice!
    A salesperson will want to give a discount to a shopper they like.

  • Be a serious buyer.
    Show the clerk you're very interested in buying. For example, let them know if you need that video camera for your friend's wedding this weekend - they'll treat you more seriously.

  • Don't ask for a specific amount off the retail price.
    If you ask for 10% off, you never know when you could have gotten 15% or even 20% off. Don't leave money on the table! Instead, ask, "is this the best price you can give me?" Or if you can't get a monetary discount, request some freebies, like a CD player thrown in with that new car or a few free samples with that expensive face cream.

  • Be prepared to walk away.
    The retail game is a competitive one. If you can't get the price you want at one store, chances are you'll find it somewhere else.



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