Author Topic: Sometimes you just have to ask  (Read 4617 times)

Breaker

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Sometimes you just have to ask
« on: April 10, 2015, 10:22:23 PM »
Yesterday I bought a new bike. Anyway, it is last year's model so I asked if it was possible to get a discount.  I was pleasantly surprised when the salesperson came back and told me I could have a 10% discount. 

Then this morning I was paying my CC and saw a charge for interest.  Since I always pay my CCs in full each month I couldn't understand why the charge.  When I called Customer Service I was told it was a charge from a few months back.  Anyway, I asked them to reverse the charge and they did.

I have had good luck with just asking the last two days.

Now I just hope I use the bike enough to make the cost worthwhile.

3okirb

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Re: Sometimes you just have to ask
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2015, 10:35:16 PM »
I've been having a lot of luck with this, too!  I have a course I have to take for work and it has an audio component that costs $75.  I asked if I could have access to the files since I don't need physical CDs, and they said that wouldn't be a problem at all and sent a link to the files.

The only thing I haven't had luck with lately is my internet bill.  Seems they're not wanting to negotiate at all this time around and there aren't any good alternatives in our area.

Janie

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Re: Sometimes you just have to ask
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2015, 10:38:02 PM »
Nice!

forummm

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Re: Sometimes you just have to ask
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2015, 10:12:51 AM »
Yeah, I've had great success with this. One time I asked my girlfriend to marry me and she said "Yes!" too.

The Dutchman

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Re: Sometimes you just have to ask
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2015, 07:14:31 AM »
I need to reply on this one.  I urge everyone to do this.  My wife is too shy to do this which drives me nuts.  Here are a couple of mine that have worked.

Buying Tires: "Can I get a smiling face discount?  Everyone else here looks pissed" lady looks at me, smiles, and says "... I bet we can find something" nothing much but it was $15 on $500 purchase.  However, that is money I would have spent if I didn't spend 30 seconds asking. 

Vacation Hotel Stay: "I see your the manager and wanted to see what the 'Manager Special' is today.  I am looking at staying three nights."  Without skipping a beat he gives me a rate of 110 a night in lieu of the original price of 175 a night.  Best part is that all other places I checked were like 200 for 2 queens this was for a king with a kitchenette and living room.

Buying Gift at Department Store: After much small talk (she was having trouble with her system) "what kind of deals you have going on" she says she is not sure and spend the next five minutes (while her check out system is rebooting) searching on her other computer to see if she can save me money.  Ends up saving me an additional $50 on a $150 purchase. 

Be polite, make small talk, and basically get them interested in you or become interested in their story.  Once you have them interested on a personal level then ask to see if they have any deals.  They are much more likely to look hard or ask the manager if you are someone they like (because you have made yourself so personable).  I estimate I save like $200 bucks like this a year.  Not that much money but it literally takes no extra time and it is interesting to hear people's story. 

Drifterrider

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Re: Sometimes you just have to ask
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2015, 12:09:22 PM »
Generally, the first thing I ask is "What discounts do you offer"?

I always ask hotels if they offer AARP discounts.  I never say I'm a member (I'm not) but if they offer me one, I take it.  Discounts are "free" money.   All they can say is "No".

Breaker

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Re: Sometimes you just have to ask
« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2015, 02:38:05 PM »
Today I was getting ready to ship back my Dish Receiver when I saw the UPS truck on my street.  I asked if he would take the package for me.  He said no problem.  So asking saved me time and gas.

I'm going to take the Dutchman's advice and watch for chances to get savings just by asking.

Lyngi

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Re: Sometimes you just have to ask
« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2015, 06:20:11 PM »
I work in a retail environment.  If you are nice (and sincere, believe me, we can tell) we'll work hard to find you a discount.  You have to ask, it is against policy for us to offer.  Also, don't be lazy, pay the full price, then send your wife (husband) back to complain.  It pisses me off and I will remember you next time. 
     Do your homework.  What does your insurance pay for?  If your Dr prescribes a nice, new name brand medication, you're gonna pay.  More and more people have high deductible plans.  Go on-line and see if there is a manufacturer coupon to go along with prescription. 
   On another note, I did book a hotel room with an AARP discount.  Upon check-in, the clerk wanted to see my card,  she was quite insistent, it was a nice hotel.  I had left it home on accident, but I did actually have an AARP card. 

3okirb

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Re: Sometimes you just have to ask
« Reply #8 on: April 13, 2015, 07:34:31 PM »
I always ask if there are any coupons out.  Most places have one behind the counter they can scan.  I also saw a neighbor that was getting his carpet cleaned.  Went across the street and asked what they would charge to do my house since they were already there and had their equipment out.  $30 for the whole house!  Asked an HVAC person that was doing a neighbor's unit the same thing.  Recharged mine for $20.

If you have a hang-up on asking, it's in the 6inches between your ears.  People don't mind if you ask nicely if they know that it's OK to say no.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!