Asking For Bargains

You Just Can't Afford Not To Ask

Deals are everywhere. Most of us simply go after the published specials or discounts. These low price offers can be found on signs, in circulars, or online. We rely on these price indicators to determine what is a real bargain versus a sales gimmick to get you into the store. It's how we know the "real" price of the products that we want and need. While these offers are wonderful and much needed, they only represent some of the actual discount opportunities that exist. The others that are out there are usually only available on an "ask for" basis. In other words, they exist but no one will tell you about them unless you ask!

In some cultures, asking for a discount is expected. It is as if no one expects to pay the ticket prices. However, with the economic issues that many nations are facing, asking (or even haggling) for lower prices is becoming more common and much more accepted. Here are a few industries in which you can ask for lower prices and be confident that you could actually receive them:

1. Hospitality Industry - Hotel discounts can be found all over the place. But, some of the deepest discounts can be obtained by simply calling and speaking with a customer service representative. Often, if the hotel is not booked or it is a slow season, hotel representatives and managers may offer you great price just to get something on a room. Your discount request does not have to be limited to one room either. If you need a few rooms, the manager may be even more inclined to give you a price break.

2. Restaurants - There is almost always a "house special" going on at a restaurant. Always make a point of asking whether there are any in-house discounts available when dining out. Some of the national pizza chains also offer unpublished in-house specials that you can get only if you ask for them. You can expect to receive anything from 2-for-1 deals to deeply discounted menu items. On rare occasions, restaurants may even allow you to double up on deals, which could allow you to get your meal practically free.

3. Airline and car rentals - Priceline.com is a fabulous website for finding low prices and for setting your own price for travel. The key to using this service is to put the lowest price ever, even if sounds absolutely absurd, and work your way up. Don't just assume that the airlines or car rental agencies won't go for your low-ball price. They just may, but you will never know if you don't try it. Of course, calling directly is a great way to get to those unpublished offers. Like the hospitality industry, when airlines and car rental agencies are experiencing lows, they are more apt to give you on-site discounts. For these, you may need to speak, face-to-face with an agent or manager. You can expect discounts from 10% to upgrades and possibly free future travel or rentals.

4. Telecommunications - Telecommunications companies always publish their prices for their customers and they are always offering some type of "special". But, the real deals can be found when you speak directly with a customer service agent. Talk to them about your calling patterns and ask for a package deal that will combine your home, internet, and possibly, cell phone. You can even do a price comparison with a rival company and let the potential company know that are shopping around for the best deal. They want your business and may be able to tailor a package to suit your needs at just the price that you want...or lower!

Asking for something that you want is human nature. Doing it effectively to get great deals to save you and your family money is a skill that you can't afford not to learn and use. Just remember, the deals are out there and they are waiting for you, but be humble and honest when you ask for them, and always ask with a smile.