Save Money by... Asking for a Discount

Next up in my series of ways to save money without coupons…asking for a discount!  There are many times where you can save a few bucks (or more!) just by asking if the price could be better. 

Utilities/Bills

I make it a habit to call all of our service providers once or twice a year just to make sure we’re getting the best deal.  I can usually shave a few dollars per month off of our phone or cable bill by changing our service plan or taking advantage of a new deal they are offering.  And I always call when I notice that a different service provider has a better deal…they want to keep customers so they would rather give a discount to me than to have me leave them for the competition! 

Shopping

Bartering isn’t all that common anymore, but there are times and places where it still works.  If you are making a large purchase (say an appliance), always ask if you are getting the best price.  Make sure you do your homework and have lists of prices on similar items at other stores.  Also, if you can pay with cash, many stores will give you a 5-10% discount (it saves them the fees they pay to the credit card company). 

You may also save on smaller purchases by buying in multiples.  If you know you will need two pair of shoes in the next few months…why not buy them both at once and ask if there is any kind of discount available if you buy more than one.  This kind of thing works best if you are shopping at a smaller locally owned stores…and be prepared for a “no” when you ask…it’s nothing personal…just business! 

Use your Resources

Are you a member of AAA?  Over 50?  A member of the military (or retired military)?  A member of any other organization that could score you a discount?  Well, don’t forget to ask for it!  My husband is in the military and there are many times where we get great discounts on museum admissions, hotel rooms, and more.  But we have to ask!  And I’m sure there are many times where we could get a discount that we don’t just because we forget to ask or don’t think that a discount will be available. 

Get what you pay for

This last one can be uncomfortable, but it goes along with asking for a discount.  If you feel that you don’t get what you pay for, you have every right to ask for your money back or for a discount on the price you paid.  Whether it be substandard service/food at a restaurant or a defective product…always talk with the manager or company about it and ask if you can get your money back.  Of course, be polite, honest, and understanding, but stand up for yourself as a consumer.  My mother recently had a terrible experience at an otherwise great restaurant and sent an email to the manager.  She got an email back with a voucher for $30 off her next meal.   It’s worth asking if you feel you didn’t get your money’s worth. 

How about everyone else?  Have you gotten a discount recently just because you asked?