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.