Bargain Shopping 101

This Guide is to help buyers become better shoppers. It is structured for those who consider themselves to be smart shoppers. Here are Ten ways to Identify if you're a Good Bargain shopper or not.

Store Selection - SHOPPING TIP 1
Paying the right price for something is only part of what is involved in smart shopping. Selecting the right store to make your purchase from is equally as important.

When shopping for the right store, consider things such as:

• Will my item be delivered on time?
• What are the stores return policies?
•  Do they guarantee the lowest price?
•  Do they accept other stores coupons?

Sometimes these things, in the end, will save you more money then just the price of an item.

Don't Just Shop Big Stores -SHOPPING TIP 2
Owners of small local stores often realize that is better to make a smaller profit than no profit at all. Many times, they will match or beat the competitions price on something rather than to lose a sale. You have a good chance to deal directly with the owner who knows how much price flexibility he has on an item based on its cost. Some small business owners are more concerned with keeping a good cash flow going then they are in keeping a big profit margin maintained.

Sales Communication Is Key- SHOPPING TIP 3
If store employees are difficult to deal with before you buy, just imagine how they will be if you find the need to return your item! Generally, stores associates that offer friendly and helpful attitudes will go out of their way to help you if you run into problems with your purchases. It is never a good bargain to have an item sitting at home not working because of difficult return policies or unhelpful and uninterested store employees.

Often a good sales person will inform you of upcoming sales events, rebates you may not be aware of and other money saving information. It is worth a few extra dollars to buy from informed, happy employees, then to tolerate a sour-faced negative sales force that seems to know only the answer, "We can't do that."
 
Salary or Hourly- SHOPPING TIP 4
A person who is on commission has a personal interest in seeing that you buy from them. This can open money saving doors such as:

• Waiving delivery charges.
• Absorbing alterations fees.
• Matching competitors prices.
• Removing the cost of assembly.
• Negotiating installation fees.
• Free gift-wrap.

Many times a commissioned sales person can give up "points" or part of their commission and pass it on to the consumer by lowering the price of an item to make a sale.

An hourly paid sales associate may not care if you buy unless of course their superior happens to be lurking around. However, throw in a sales contest where that same sales person might earn some extra money, and you will see an entirely different employee, one who is helpful and knows the power of negotiation.

Bottom-line: The commissioned sales force knows that a sale with less commission is better than no commission at all and that makes a good person to collaborate with if you plan to shop at their store again. How do you know if they are on commission? Ask them!

When to Buy- SHOPPING TIP 5
A good rule of thumb to remember: Buy when there is more product then shoppers.

In other words, shop off-season to get the best prices. This applies to almost every category of retail, entertainment, and travel. Retail is a time sensitive business so take advantage of it by shopping when the time is right.

Arrive to a store an hour before they close, with your figures ready and your pen out. A quick price negotiation can take place when the business owner is ready to go home to watch his favorite sporting event.

At the ends of the month incentives and sales quotas have to be met, especially in the car and furniture industries. This makes it an excellent time for the consumer to get in and get the deal that they want since the sales force is anxious to meet their numbers.

Shop when you can "Charge It"- SHOPPING TIP 6
Credit card purchases can often result in extra benefits such as:

• Frequent flyer points.
• Extended warranties.
• Special purchasing rebate dollars.
• Free insurance.
• Premiums such as gifts and free meals.

When shopping online or over the telephone, using your credit card can protect you if you never see the merchandise you order. It can also come in handy if what your receive falls short of your expectations. If you run into problems with your transaction you can withhold payment by contacting your credit card company and placing the transaction into dispute. Most dispute policies are located on your credit card statement.

High interest rates are not conducive to a getting a good bargain so it is best to charge only what you can pay off in a timely matter.

Negotiate Cash Value for FREE GIFT giveaways- SHOPPING TIP 7
Say you are buying a new refrigerator and the store advertises free delivery on all refrigerators but you have a truck and do not want to wait for a delivery. Ask the salesperson what they usually charge for delivery and request that they knock the amount off your bill since you will be taking care of the hauling and delivery yourself.

Other areas that you may save on by turning back the freebie for cash, is with "free" software that comes with your new computer or free pillows that come with your new mattress. The trick is to decide if the freebie is something that you want. If it is, then you will do okay. If it is not, then at least try to sell it back to them at "their" cost.

Comparison Shopping- SHOPPING TIP 8
Okay, so you have made your decision on what you are going to buy, where you are going to buy it, and how much you will pay for it. However, what if you make your purchase and find out the next week that the price was further reduced? If you were careful about where you shopped (Tip #1), then chances are you will be able to recoup some of the money.

Most stores offer a specific time period for you to get a price adjustment on an item that has received further reductions after your purchase. They may even adjust to competitor's prices after the sale if you bring them all the proper documentation such as your receipt and a copy of the advertisement. Ask the store what their policy is regarding price adjustments before you make your purchase and make sure to get a hard copy of the policy for your records.

For stores that fail to cooperate within a reasonable time (generally two weeks are what most retailers consider reasonable) then simply return the merchandise and repurchase it at the lower price, elsewhere.

Just remember though, if you do not shop after the purchase you will never find out that the price was further reduced. Also, the burden of proof is on you so keep your receipt!

Dents and Scratch Merchandise- SHOPPING TIP 9
Scratched or dented merchandise is big business now. Stores specialize in offering this slightly bruised merchandise at big discounted prices. We are accustomed to seeing furniture and appliances with "scratched" or "dented" signs on them. But, what we sometimes forget about are the smaller items that you find in your regular department stores.

Take for example the new leather purse you may be interested in buying. You could negotiate up to a 50% discount if you discover a small scratch in the leather. Chances are you will get your own scratch on it in no time.

Luggage is another item that is often price adjusted due to small imperfections (as long as it is not hardware related). Let’s face it, one trip through an airport and our luggage is going to look slightly worn anyway.

Other items that adjustments are often made on include:

• Shoes
• Sporting goods (such as baseball gloves)
• Small appliances
• Artwork
• Clothing with makeup or small stains
• Clothing with small rips along seams
• Items without the proper packaging
• Showroom furniture and accessories

The important thing to remember when purchasing imperfect merchandise is that if the imperfection affects performance, then it is not a good deal.

However, if it is just a matter of turning the scratch to the wall, buffing some oil onto leather, or bleaching out a stain, then chances are, its money well spent.

Did you know about the Cooling Off Rule?- SHOPPING TIP 10
If you buy something at a store and later change your mind, you may not be able to return the merchandise. However, you may have the option, if you buy an item in your home or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more. Under the Cooling-Off Rule, your right to cancel for a full refund extends until midnight of the third business day after the sale.

The Cooling-Off Rule applies to sales at the buyer's home, workplace or dormitory, or at facilities rented by the seller on a temporary or short-term basis, such as:

• Hotel or motel rooms
• Convention centers
• Fairgrounds
• Restaurants

The Cooling-Off Rule applies even when you invite the salesperson to make a presentation in your home.

Under the Cooling-Off Rule, the salesperson must tell you about your cancellation rights at the time of sale.

The salesperson also must give you two copies of a cancellation form (one to keep and one to send) and a copy of your contract or receipt.

There are exceptions to the Cooling-Off Rule as well as additional local laws that may enhance the rule.