Why You're Losing Money By Not Doing This!

By now we're all aware that there is a global recession and everyday the prices of the things we need keeps getting higher, and higher. The holiday season is quickly approaching and we're all gearing up to hit the stores with credit cards, or cash in hand. However are you going to pay too much for the items on your list?

When I was a little girl, going shopping with my grand-mother was always an interesting adventure because she never paid full price for anything. It was guaranteed that before her money came out of her wallet, there would be a discussion about the price, and she would usually get the item for exactly, or close to what she was willing to pay. My grand-mother was, and still is a professional haggler to this day.

This may seem annoying or cheap to some folks, but with the money saved, she was able to buy other items we needed, treats for us kids, or save for a rainy day.

Shopping online is no different to shopping offline when it comes to getting items at a lower price. You can get a price reduction on those big ticket items you have on your list simply by following a few proven steps.

What Are Those Steps?

When you find an item that you're going to purchase, do a bit of research to find it at a lower price. This may take a little of your time but will be worth the extra effort. Once you've loacted the product at a lower price, print off the ad and take it into the store if there is a location near you. Most companies will sell you the item at the lower price to keep you as a customer.

Offline sales associate not interested in matching the competitors price? ask to speak with the store manager who has the power to give you the discount, and throw in additional savings.

If there isn't a store in your area, use the contact number on the website to call customer service, and let them know that you want to buy their 3D TV, DVD Player, Computer, Designer Clothing, or whatever the item is on their website but XYZ store is selling it at a lower price. Be ready with the URL to the competition's website, and chances are very high that you will receive a matched discount.

If a contact number is not available on the website, use email to contact customer service, or use the live agent option now being offered on websites to discuss the price of your item.

Retailers want your business, especially in this turbulent economy and will bend over backwards to get it. You may even be able to get an additional 10-20% discount by making them aware of the competition.

If you're planning on buying more than one of the item, ask the retailer what can they do for you for making them aware of their competitor?. Suggest free shipping, or accessories for electronics, and you will be surprised to discover how easy it is to get more bang for your buck.

Some of you may ask, why not just buy it from the competition and save yourself the extra work? of course that is an option, however you may want to ask yourself a few questions before making your purchase.

Is the competition a reputable company? or a faceless reseller? how long will you have to wait for delivery of your items? will you be able to return the item if it's defective? These are all very important questions to take into consideration before making that big ticket purchase.

Haggling is as old as time itself because it works, and saves you money in the long run. Before you start your shopping expedition this holiday season do a bit of research, be prepared with competitive prices, and you will have more money in your pocket for a little extra holiday cheer.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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Paula van Dun   Retired Very good tips. There are many ways to save money. i wrote a general a blog about that. I think it is very important to teach children the value of money. You are not doing your kids a favor by buying them everything they want (even if you can). I raised my children that way. My two oldest sons have now their own house and are (except for the mortgage) debt free. They do not buy on credit. I sleep very well... Nov 12th 2010 17:17

Cheryl Baumgartner   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance I remember when there was only three choices for a credit card. Bank Americard, Master Charge and Diner's Club. Not that it made much difference because only a small percentage of people could qualify for one. For us everyday folks we either saved until we could afford it or went without. Other than a mortgage and a car payment, no one was 'in debt'. And people slept a whole lot easier! Nov 12th 2010 17:25

Dawie Bezuidenhout   Systems Engineer I.T. Karen that is a good tip, something my mom used to tell us as younsters, "Never Shop For Groceries On AN Empty Stomach", that's very true, you end up buying items you realy don't need. The holidays is upon us, and their are going to be people spending money without thinking of the month of January. Nov 12th 2010 17:25

Karen L.   Personal Development I completely agree that we have to teach our kids how to be responsible with money like everything else. My grand-mother made sure we understood the value of a dollar, and I'm truly grateful to her for doing so. It's a credit to you that your sons know that being debt free is important to having a better quality of life. Job well done! ;0) Nov 12th 2010 17:26

Karen L.   Personal Development @Cheryl - I still save until I can pay cash... credit cards scare the daylights out of me, and I avoid using them at all costs!! @Dawie - I have no patience for the January moaners... unnecessarily living beyond your means is just plain ridiculous! Nov 12th 2010 17:34

Cheryl Baumgartner   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance OH yes the holidays. I remember banks offerring Chritmas club savings accounts and stores offering layaway. Oddly enough people didn't fear going to the mailbox in January back then either! I think a big part of the problem is the instant gratification culture. Like little Miss Veruca Salt, they are all yelling "I want it all and I want it now!" Nov 12th 2010 17:34

Dawie Bezuidenhout   Systems Engineer I.T. @Cheryl, i share that believe, i only do shopping with my debit card, if their is no more money in that specific account i simply don't buy. My wife is running this household on one tight budget, and like Paula said it is a good example for the kids. I think that most women are better budget keepers than men, my fellow men is going to crucify me for saying this i am sure. But if it was up to me to run the household, there would be so much electronic gadgets and not to mention camping gear and toys for boys, we would be able to start a chain store. Maybe thats just me.:) Nov 12th 2010 17:34

Cheryl Baumgartner   Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance @Dawie You need a "Boys Toys" Club saving account! Nov 12th 2010 17:38

Dawie Bezuidenhout   Systems Engineer I.T. @Cheryl, What makes you think i don't have one? The problem i face when i have saved enough to buy that specific item, it has been replaced by a better more expensive model, and i end up buying something completely different. Sorry karen we are completely of the topic, that happens alot with me LOL.:) Nov 12th 2010 17:48

Karen L.   Personal Development LOL... @Dawie - I don't mind, conversation is a good thing when it's positive. I run my household with a firm hand also because if it were up to my other half who is totally awesome, and the love of my life, but... he hates comparing prices or being in a store looking for the best value. If it were up to him, we would get the first thing we came across that served the purpose without even looking at the price, and be on our way!! why are some/most? men like that? sorry guys but you do shop different to women ;0) @Cheryl - It seems like instant gratification is becoming the down fall of our youth unfortunately... ever try talking to one of them with a cell phone in their hand?? it's like they instantly have to answer that call, or text... annoying! I like the "boys toys" Club idea, I'm going to adopt it in the new year and stay out of how it's spent... hopefully there's enough funds when we get to the cash register! ;0) Nov 12th 2010 20:16

Sam Djimun   XO Blogging It's a great shopping tips. Sometimes I am jealous how do you write tips like this, I never did it. Anyway thanks for the tips Nov 12th 2010 20:54

Karen L.   Personal Development Thank you Sam. Don't be jealous, you can do it too. The best thing to do is think of things that you find helpful in your business, or life and write about that. You will be surprised how many people will find it useful. ;0) Nov 12th 2010 21:08

Catherine White   Entreprenuer Comparison shopping is a lost art. And, it is so easy to do during this Internet age. I think it is going to make a come back. Nov 12th 2010 22:46

Tut Z.   Awesome Income with Forex Trading great information. thanks for sharing. Nov 12th 2010 23:18

Karen L.   Personal Development Catherine, it really is an art that is very valuable in so many ways. I hope your come back prediction comes through! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. ;0) Nov 12th 2010 23:18