Get the Best Deal on Every Purchase: The Truth Behind Shopper Myths

Magazines and the Internet are bursting with tips to get the most out of customer service experiences. Supposedly, there are "secret" ways to get around listed prices. I have worked in retail for my entire adult life and have many years of experience in mid-level customer service positions. For me, many of these tricks are laughable, frustrating or downright false. Let's take some time to dispel a few retail myths. You may be surprised to learn that following these tips can actually have a negative effect on your experience.

Myth #1: You can always get a better price if your item is on sale at another store, or less expensive online.

The Truth: Some stores do honor competitors' sale prices. However, there are limitations to those policies. If the price you'd like to match is not listed in a sales flier, you may not be eligible. Most stores do not honor prices from stores that do not have local outlets. Gimmicks, such as three-for-one or half-price, are also questionable. Online prices are not often matched.

A More Effective Approach: Go on and ask, but stay within the realm of reason. Learn each retailer's policies, and ask up-front if there are any exceptions. Cashiers and other lower-level employees have nothing to gain by withholding information and are typically eager to share information with friendly customers. There may be a loophole of which you can take advantage. If, at another time, another cashier denies your price match, don't push. Involving management may put a spotlight on that loophole and end the deals. Politely tell the clerk that you've changed your mind about the product.

Myth #2: You can always buy a damaged item or a display model at a discount.

The Truth: Smaller retailers are often happy to sell a broken or torn item at a percentage of the listed price. Some retailers have quick turnover and regularly sell their display models. The larger the store, the less likely you'll be able to make a discounted purchase. Damaged items are sent back to the manufacturer so that the store receives full compensation, rather than loosing money by selling it for less. If an item will be restocked, the display model will still be needed. Retailers in this position are reluctant to sell their displays and replace them when the next shipment arrives. It's wasteful.

A More Effective Approach: If the item you've chosen has a minor defect, ask for a discount at the register. Very slight damage may prompt a small discount - typically 10%. Clothing is often discounted if it has a tear, open seam or stain. Inexpensive items, such as small photo frames, may also be a deal. In these cases, the cost of sending out a claim for the item outweighs the discount. If you have your eye on a display, ask an employee if it will be restocked soon. Keep an eye on the clearance aisles and a dialog with the clerks. Let them know what you're looking for. They're likely to tip you off if they learn that an item will be marked down or discontinued.

Myth #3: Coupons that are expired, printed at another retailer's location, or applied to comparable items will still be accepted.

The Truth: Clerks can face disciplinary action if they accept coupons that are not covered by policy. If your coupon was printed at a grocery store, it is considered "location-specific" and cannot be redeemed at another store. They cannot be returned for credit and the store looses that money. It may not seem like much, but it can make a significant impact on the cashier. Coupons that are expired or do not match your purchase may be accepted at small retailers with less complex registers. But larger chains have built a fail-safe into the computers that automatically rejects the discount.

A More Effective Approach: Organize your coupons and use them on time. If that's not feasible, ask the cashier what he or she can do to help you get the deal you'd like to have. If there's a way to use an invalid coupon, ask if this is a policy you can use again. Also ask if there are qualifiers. Your store may only accept coupons that have expired within the week, or that list items that can be purchased in their store brand.

The most important thing to remember when searching for discounts is to maintain a friendly attitude. If a rule can be bent in your favor, you stand a better chance of receiving a deal if you are a pleasant customer. Clerks who feels that you are "on their side" feel justified in going the extra mile to give you a great shopping experience. If you don't qualify for a discount, keep your temper. Be prepared to take "no" for an answer. Your pleasant behavior may mean a great deal on another item tomorrow.

Source: Personal experience.