Retail Shopping: How to Get What You Want at the Prices You Crave

Being a salesperson in the retail industry, I can tell you right now, the squeaky wheel gets the attention, but the polite wait till it's my turn wheel gets the deals. A few tips for you shoppers out there on how to get the best of the best for lower prices. Also a few things not to do, unless you like being told no.

1.Do call for prices: Most retail stores have no problem telling you a products price, it is a way for store owners to bring in a possible new customer.

2. Do ask on the phone if the store has a website. We not only have one, but it has much many items we don't carry in store, and quite a bit of it you get a deal on shipping.

3.Do come in prepared with questions, most of us don't mind them. If you know what you are looking for, even if you simply state "a black pair of pants with cargo pockets", a good clerk knows where they are, and at what prices.

4. Do ask if the store gives discounts, just be prepared with your id if necessary. In some cases it can save you up to 20% off each item, more than worth the hassle of pulling out your work id.

5. Do leave the children at home if you plan on shopping for any lenght of time beyond 15 minutes. Not only are they a distraction for you, retailers have little appreciation for the customer who cannot watch their child as he knocks of hard worked displays.

6. Do ask if a store can order something for you if not in stock. Most cases the answer is a yes, and if it is a product you like, worth the time.

7. Do ask the return policy, and if unclear, ask again. There is nothing worse than spending money on something, and if it doesn't work, being unable to return it.

8. Do try your clothes on! This is a very big rule in our store, many of our products are unreturnable, and you lose out.

9. Do ask for opinions. Even if the clerk replies with something you don't agree with, he or she may give you other options.

10. The most important rule of all. Do as if there are any sales going on at the moment. Many stores, ours included, have sales that are shown, and others that aren't displayed unless asked. This step can and will save you money if you are well informed.

Of course, there are some things that should not have to be stated, and yet seem to be needed. The following are some definite do not's to follow.

1. Do not come into a store ten minutes before closing and expect star treatment. As unreasonable that may seem to you, most of us have already started our countdowns, and are less willing to help you shop for another half hour.

2. Do not bring your food and drinks into stores. Or ask us to throw out your garbage. In our store, we carry many white clothes, and every time a customer walks in with coffee, I want to cringe.

3. If you break it, be prepared to buy it. Too many stores have relaxed this policy. What customers don't seem to realize is that too many products broken results in higher prices for you. So pay up. This includes the white shirt you just tried on and wiped off five pounds of make up on. (One of my personal pet peeves.)

4. Do not try and return something washed or obviously worn. Not only will you not get a return or exchange, but in most cases, a small little note goes in your file that all future returns are to be looked at closely, leaving you with less of a chance for getting a return. Not only that, but most clothing stores can accept nothing back that has been washed, we cannot resell it.

5. Do not expect a clerk to remember your special order. Come prepared with your receipt, and name it was placed under. Stating you ordered a jacket and shoes, and can't remember when, what style, or anything else about does nothing to help us find it. We are not mind readers.

6. Do not ever utter the phrase "I will never shop here again", in a specialty shop. You will come in again, we have your items you need where other stores don't. Using that phrase serves no purpose other than giving us a chuckle after you leave.

7.Do not argue with a mere cashier. He or she has no power to deal with you in store policies. Ask for an owner or store manager, and if none available, find out when they are and either come back or call then.

8. Do not assume because you see no video cameras, that there aren't any. Most stores have them now, and most keep them hidden. Nine times out of ten, you are being watched, taped, and talked over later.

9. To go along with number 8, DO NOT steal. Convincing yourself a store will not miss one small item is ridiculous. We inventory everything, from the most expensive, down to the smallest cheapest item in the store. Even if you succeed in stealing, more than likely we know you did, can't prove it, but a note still goes in your file to watch you like a hawk the next time you are in.

10. Do not ever curse at your store clerks. Sure, we all get angry over an incorrect price, missing items, or some other sort of problem. Again, cursing does you no good, and we aren't likely to go out of our way to correct the probelm, whether it was our fault or not.

In the end, being kind, courteous, and patient is the most direct way to not only get what you want, but you become known as a customer to help. Trust me, I've written the notes, I have my favorite customers, and some of them are not the biggest spenders. But they are people I will remember, and ones I am willing to go out of my way for. I also remember the difficult customers, the ones who were never satisfied, and I remember you too. My only other words to you Mr. Crankypants, are "good luck finding that size large white pant with zippers". (I hid it in the back when you walked in).