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. Hotel rooms - There is a list price for every room, there is an internet price for everyone, but there is also a "manager's special" price that you may be able to get if you ask. These prices are usually based on whether or not the hotel has lots of vacancies that it wants to get used. If there are extra rooms, they will probably give you a better deal.
2. Local and National Restaurants - You can always expect to find coupons available for dining out. Most national pizza chains and other fast food restaurants always have a special going on. Many of these offer discounts such as 2-for-1 specials or even free items! In addition to the advertised specials, most restaurants have their own in-house specials or unpublished deals that you can only get when you ask for them.
3. Planes, trains, and automobiles - Most travel companies offer discounts either through their frequent users travel programs or through haggling based websites such as Priceline.com. From upgrades to "buy one, get one" to free future travel deals, people can usually expect to buy for cheap when it comes to the travel industry if they make effort to ask for the best possible price. In an economic crisis like we are currently in, people will most likely be doing less traveling. So, there should be plenty of opportunities for families to get cheaper prices.
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!
It's only natural to ask for the things that we want in life. Why not use asking as purchasing power also? The deals abound and your family can experience the saving, cost reductions, and perks that one can expect simply by making an effort to ask. - 15224
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. Hotel rooms - There is a list price for every room, there is an internet price for everyone, but there is also a "manager's special" price that you may be able to get if you ask. These prices are usually based on whether or not the hotel has lots of vacancies that it wants to get used. If there are extra rooms, they will probably give you a better deal.
2. Local and National Restaurants - You can always expect to find coupons available for dining out. Most national pizza chains and other fast food restaurants always have a special going on. Many of these offer discounts such as 2-for-1 specials or even free items! In addition to the advertised specials, most restaurants have their own in-house specials or unpublished deals that you can only get when you ask for them.
3. Planes, trains, and automobiles - Most travel companies offer discounts either through their frequent users travel programs or through haggling based websites such as Priceline.com. From upgrades to "buy one, get one" to free future travel deals, people can usually expect to buy for cheap when it comes to the travel industry if they make effort to ask for the best possible price. In an economic crisis like we are currently in, people will most likely be doing less traveling. So, there should be plenty of opportunities for families to get cheaper prices.
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!
It's only natural to ask for the things that we want in life. Why not use asking as purchasing power also? The deals abound and your family can experience the saving, cost reductions, and perks that one can expect simply by making an effort to ask. - 15224
About the Author:
As a well-known connoisseur on saving money in all aspects of daily life, Alexandra Vrugt has written many articles on these hard times. For a limited period you can get a free copy of her Ebook on getting organized - which is the first step to saving money - by visiting her making ends meet website.
