Larry Hnetka Goes HMmmm

I confess, I do like to shop for just about anything. I also am getting quite good at getting deals. Not that I’m pushy about getting a bargain. I can usually gauge when a good buy can be negotiated to an even better buy.

Here’s some of the sales shopping techniques I’ve developed:

1. Find the “sales or clearance” items in the store. You don’t necessarily have to buy from the sales pile. Often, I compare what’s in the clearance bins to what’s on the shelves to get an idea where the price points are for items.

2. Feel out the salesclerk/owner of the store. Engage in some conversation. You’ll find out fairly quickly if there is any room to negotiate on items. Don’t insist on a discount right off the bat. Work up to the idea of a discount and you’ll know soon whether the price is fixed or not.

3. Look over the item carefully before purchasing. I’ve often found a small “bruise” or imperfection on items that segue into a discount.

4. Be prepared to just walk away even if you really think you need to buy something. There’s usually something equally as nice and probably cheaper at another store. Arrogant clerks got the quick cross off my list and no purchases from me.

5. Don’t buy on impulse. Stop and think where the item fits into your life before you buy. I waited for almost six months for a small canvas trunk that I really had no use for. The trunk’s original price was $575. I watched it linger on the store shelf for all those months and watched the sales price drop to its final price of $175. I found out when the store owner might be in the store, talked to her, and bought the trunk for just $50.

I still have no place for that trunk but for such a deal, how could I not buy it?

For the real skinny on what’s the best time to buy everything, check out this article in SmartMoney.com

Here’s one of their examples:
Clothing: When to buy: Thursday evenings, six to eight weeks after an item arrives in stores.

Now this is a tip for an avid shopper. One who combs the stores on a fairly regular basis. But it does work. If you know the store’s merchandise and when the seasonal clothing shift happens, you can pick up some fairly good deals.

Link from: The Presurfer

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