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Getting a Discount for Cash

By: Garry Crystal - Updated: 27 Sep 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Getting A Discount For Cash

When it comes to getting a discount for cash there are a few important factors to remember. Obtaining a discount if you have the money available instead of using credit cards is achievable in many stores. Researching prices on the items you want before you actually enter the store should prove beneficial when it comes to haggling over the price.

Cash versus Credit Cards

Stores will prefer cash over credit cards when it comes to giving a discount. Having the money available and giving the impression that you are going to spend it there and then may sway the salesperson. When it comes to saving money on goods make it clear to the salesperson that you are intending to buy a few items and are going to be paying with cash. There is no shame in saying to salespeople the immortal words, “any discount for cash?” If you are buying a few items and they offer you a 5% discount then reply by telling them that you will consider more purchases if the discount is 10% and will pay by cash.

Researching Competitor’s Prices

If you are buying high priced items such as electronic goods always undertake research. Browse the internet stores and note the prices of goods online and in various high street stores. Once you have your lowest price then choose your store and inform the salesperson that you have seen the item you want at a lower price elsewhere. Most stores will match or better their competitor’s prices as long as you can prove where you have seen the lower priced items. Stores would rather undercut competitor’s prices and save a sale than lose out to a competitor.

Always be Polite

For some consumers haggling is an art form but others will simply never consider actually asking for discounts, or know how to go about it. Managers and floor staff are able to give discounts but will only give these if the customer asks, politely. There is absolutely no point in being belligerent and demanding a discount for cash. As the saying goes you will catch more flies with honey. Being polite and smiling to sales staff can make all the difference in whether or not you will receive a discount. Try to find higher level staff that do have the power to offer money off, then be polite, and flash the cash.

Choose your Stores Carefully

If you see stores that are having end of stock sales or one day only sales then in most cases they will really want rid of the stock. Even though the goods are already on sale they can still be discounted further. Again, mention that you are thinking of buying a few items and will be paying in cash if there are further discounts available. A good tip is to pick shops where the salespeople work on commission; the more they sell the more they will earn. Items such as clothes and shoes will usually have a higher mark-up meaning the salespeople are more likely to give discounts for cash, especially if they work on commission.

Look out For Free Extras

If a store is not going to be generous with discounts then always ask if there are any extras that can be supplied. For instance, computer goods have many extras such as software that can be bought when purchasing a computer. If you are buying a computer and paying with cash then ask if there is anything that can be thrown in for free. Nine times out of ten a store will give some free extras. One tip if you are buying items such as computers is to go directly to the manufacturers; the mark up will be lower and they should give extras in order to make the sale. Checking the manufacturer’s websites is a great way of finding low prices, and on computers it will mean saving money on high priced extras.

There are always going to be times when a salesperson will simply refuse to give discounts, even if you have shown them the colour of your money. But in most cases salespeople would rather give a discount than lose a sale, especially on high priced goods. Remember, in most cases they will not offer the discount; the customer will need to ask, and be polite and friendly when doing so. A winning smile can make all the difference as to whether or not you will receive a discount and save some money.

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