Ways to Get Discounts at Department Stores

There are a multitude of ways to save money while shopping at retail stores nationwide. This is a simple example of one method that I frequently utilize. This is a method that often works, but it does have its restrictions, more so than some others, which I will briefly mention later.

When I am out shopping at retail stores, I always look for ways to save money, whether it is buying store brands or buying only items on sale and so on. This can be used in conjunction with both.

I look at items that have slight damage, maybe the box is crushed a little or was accidentally cut with the box opener. For products that are confined to a sealed package this works. If you pick up a product that has packaging damage simply point it out to the cashier when you check out and ask if you can get a discount. Often times, depending on the store the cashier will have no authority to grant such discounts or they may not want to deal with it and say no. Now this is up to you, and not everyone is comfortable doing it, believe me, my wife hides every time. The next step is to ask to speak to a manager, please keep in mind though that there is no reason to be rude. Most often the manager is more aware of the damage one unhappy customer can cause to the store's reputation and will give you a discount no questions asked. Some managers will do it simply to reiterate their power to the cashier by granting a discount when the associate has tried to deny it. Either way, it works most of the time and you can get a few extra dollars off the product.

A lot of stores have display models that stay out even when the product is out of stock. This does not work for all types of items, but it does for many. If you come across an item that you want to buy but the store is "out of stock", except for the display model, ask if you can purchase it. Most of the time they will happily sell it and at a generous discount. Again if you run into trouble you can ask for a manager.

When you find an item that is not confined to a box, but still has some slight damage, just ask for a discount. Most retailers, even if they have undamaged merchandise will sell it to you if you just ask. You still have the option to ask for a manager.

Sometimes, if you are shopping in a smaller or family owned type of business you can haggle the price a little. Don't expect to get 50 or 60 percent off, but you may be able to drill them down 10 or 15 percent if your good.

The most important thing to remember is don't be afraid to ask and don't be rude or overbearing. Usually, if you just ask it's not a problem at all. The markup that stores add to most merchandise is shocking if you could see the real numbers.

As I mentioned, there are many other ways to save. Be frugal and pay attention to what is on the shelf. Don't be taken in by the point of sale methods retailers use, trying to get you to buy overpriced items just because they are right there while your waiting to check out. Also be aware that those great deals, with the big numbers are usually not the best buy. Retailers will place a mid range priced item right in front, then place a high priced item next to it, but there are usually lower priced items towards the back or near the bottom, and they are usually of equal or similar quality. Of course there are millions of coupons for every item you could ever need or want, you just have to have the patience of a saint to clip them all.

Happy shopping and good luck saving money.